Bare-root raspberry canes are the cheapest way to start a raspberry patch, and they are sold during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring. Planting them properly sets up years of fruit. Here is how to do it.
Choose the right time
Plant while the canes are dormant, any time from late autumn to early spring, as long as the soil is workable. Do not plant into frozen or waterlogged ground. If canes arrive before you can plant, keep the roots damp and out of the wind, or heel them into a spare patch of soil.
Prepare the site
Raspberries like a sunny or lightly shaded spot with free-draining soil, enriched with well-rotted compost or manure. Clear perennial weeds first, because they are hard to remove once the canes are in. Set up a post-and-wire support before or straight after planting.
Planting step by step
- Soak the roots in a bucket of water for an hour or so before planting.
- Dig a trench or individual holes wide enough to spread the roots.
- Plant each cane at the same depth as the soil mark on the stem, roughly 45cm apart.
- Firm the soil, water in, and mulch around the base with compost or bark.
- Cut the canes back to around 25cm to encourage strong new growth.
Summer or autumn fruiting?
The two types are pruned differently, so know what you have bought. My guide to summer vs autumn raspberry pruning explains how, and my guide to growing raspberries covers varieties and ongoing care. If you still need plants, see where to buy raspberry canes.
First-year aftercare
Water new canes in dry spells through their first spring and summer, keep the base weed-free, and top up the mulch. As new canes appear, tie them in to the wires so they do not flop or snap in the wind.
Common mistakes
Planting too deep. Follow the soil mark on the cane, as burying the base can encourage rot.
Letting the roots dry out. Bare roots dry quickly, so keep them covered and damp until they are in the ground.
Planting into waterlogged soil. Raspberries dislike wet feet. Improve drainage first, or plant into a raised bed.
Replanting where raspberries grew before. Diseases can build up in the soil, so choose a fresh site if you can.
Buying poor stock. Choose healthy, certified plants from a reputable nursery to avoid virus problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant bare-root raspberry canes?
Any time from late autumn to early spring while they are dormant, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
How far apart should raspberry canes be planted?
Around 45cm between canes, in rows about 1.8m apart.
Do I cut back new raspberry canes after planting?
Yes, cutting them back to around 25cm encourages strong new growth.
