Raspberry – Blue night (Black)

Botanical name
Rubus occidentalis ‘Blue Night’

Family
Rosaceae

Spacing

Plants should be 45-60 cm (18-24″) apart, and if planting in rows, space the rows 1.8 m (6′) apart, ideally running north to south, so that they do not shade each other.

Depth
Aim for the old soil mark on the stem to be at the same level as the ground after planting. Dig a hole large enough to encompass the roots without bending or circling.

Requirements
Thrives in moisture-retentive, fertile, slightly acidic soils pH 6.5-6.7, which are well-drained and weed free.  Full to partial sun.

Pests
Raspberry beetle, cane blight, leaf and bud mite.

Timing
Raspberries can be planted any time during the dormant season, between November and March, providing the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.

Growing
Prune the canes to within 25 cm (10″) above the ground after planting. Prune back summer-fruiting raspberries to ground level after harvesting in summer; prune autumn-fruiting plants in February.

Harvest
Early July

Season
Perennial