Pruning Raspberries

Written by Mohsen Molavi

We’re so fortunate here in B.C. - our mild coastal climate makes it possible to grow raspberries right in our backyards, from sunny Victoria gardens to Burnaby community plots. With just a bit of pruning, you can unlock bigger, sweeter berries and keep your plants healthy for years to come. Pruning is essential for maximizing yield and maintaining plant health, and the timing and method depend on whether you’re growing summer-fruiting (June-bearing) or fall-fruiting (everbearing) varieties. Let’s dive into the details so you can get the most out of your raspberry patch.

Summer-Bearing Raspberries

When to prune:

• Late summer: cut out the canes that fruited. They won’t come back next year anyway.
• Late winter (dormant season): trim the remaining canes to about 1.5 m.

Why it matters: These are “floricanes” - they fruit only once, in their second year. The new canes, “primocanes,” are waiting for next season.

Quick tip: Make sure you leave the strong, healthy canes upright, they’ll be next year’s stars.

Everbearing Raspberries

Two smaller harvests (summer + fall):

• Keep primocanes for a fall crop.
• After fall, prune the spent canes.
• Trim remaining canes to roughly 1.5 m in late winter.

One big fall harvest:

• Cut all canes to the ground in late winter.
• Spring growth will produce late summer/fall berries.

Fun fact: Everbearers can fruit on both first-year and second-year canes. How you prune decides if you get two bites or one big one!

General Tips

 

• Chop out dead or diseased canes - look for dark spots or brittle stems.
• Thin crowded areas to improve airflow; this helps prevent fungal problems like spur blight.
• Mulch about 2 inches around the base to keep roots happy and soil steady.
• Use sharp, clean shears. Dirty tools = invitation for disease.

Varieties that love being planted in B.C.

• Summer-bearing (Floricane): Tulameen, Encore, Boyne, Candy, and Indian Summer.
• Everbearing: Heritage, Kokanee, and Latham

Local gardener note: Tulameen is a classic here -big, firm berries that taste amazing fresh or in jam.

B.C. Gardening Notes

• Mild coastal winters = less frost worry.
• Late spring frosts can still hit early blooms, so keep an eye out and cover the plants if needed.
• Heavy rains in late summer can split fruit; pruning helps reduce this.
• Victoria is drier in summer -mulch is key. Burnaby and Richmond gardeners, watch drainage.

Pruning isn’t just a chore, it’s biology in action. You’re shaping growth, improving airflow, and timing fruit production. With the right touch, your raspberry patch in will be healthy, productive, and a joy to harvest.