RASPBERRIES

AJ · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:46 pm Post subject: RASPBERRIES

All the leaves on my tullameen raspberry plants have been stripped off by high winds recently. Is it normal for the canes to loose their leaves at this time of year, the reason I ask is that I was going to buy some more plants, but if they won't survive because of the exposure up here it seems to be a pointless exercise.

dormouse · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:24 am Post subject:

I'm no expert but I do know that they are deciduous so there is nothing wrong here.

Greengage · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:16 pm Post subject:

Thats normal, Now would be a good time to prune out the old canes as you have easy access to them.

michael brenock · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:25 pm Post subject:

pruning is very easy in raspberries . Cut out at ground level those canes that have fruited in the summer, they will look dead and snap off easily.. The young canes that will carry the next crop may still have a few leaves at the tip but they are deciduous. Raspberries survive and thrive in Scotland so why not in West Cork?
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

AJ · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:06 pm Post subject:

Phew, thanks guys. I pruned them about 6 weeks ago, next years canes are good and tall but naked at this stage. Last year I planted malling Jewel, glen ample, polka, autumn bliss, malling promise and tulameen. Tulameen was the only one that survived. The only thing I can put it down to, is the manure may have been too fresh. Intend to have another go in 2012