Raspberry plants flourish in our northwest climate, but it is important to start the crop off correctly by choosing a site with well drained soil and full sun, they can be grown in raised rows if standing water is a concern in the winter. They should be planted 2 1/2 feet apart in rows spaced 8 to 10 feet, raspberry flowers are self-fertile, pollen is transferred by visiting insects seeking nectar. I would choose to trellis using a standard cross system at 4 1/2 feet in height. The ideal PH range is 6.0 to 6.5, if the PH is less than 5.5 lime should be applied to ameliorate the soil.
There are two main cultivars of raspberries, summer-bearing (June-Bearing) and Fall-Bearing (Everbearing). The roots and crown are perennial with a lifespan of thirty to forty years, the canes are biennial, primocane is the first year growth and floricane is the second year growth. It is a good idea to keep the two cultivars in separate beds, this will insure that the correct pruning cuts are performed at the right times throughout the year.
June Bearing
Summer bearing raspberries initiate flower buds on first year canes (primocanes) from August through September, the canes overwinter, bloom, and produce fruit the following spring and early summer. While the fruiting canes (floricanes) are bearing fruit, new green primocanes begin to emerge, commencing the cycle for next years’ crop of berries. After harvest the old fruiting canes should be removed to allow for light and air circulation on the new primocanes, this will promote healthier growth and maximize yields the following year. Topping primocanes in the fall leave the susceptible to frost damage, instead wait until February and trim the tops 6 inches from the top of the 4 1/2 foot trellis wire, this forces lateral branches, improving the size and quality of the fruit. I would extend the growing season by choosing a variety of June bearing cultivars based on their harvest season as follows:
Willamette: short early harvest season
Meeker: Long mid-season
Algonquin: Mid-late season
Sumner and Chilliwack: Late season
My raspberry bed at home, before pruning
After Pruning