Raspberry 'Dorman Red' Feeding Instructions
Raspberries should be fertilized each year in the early Spring. Apply 2 pounds of 10-10-10 (or organic equivalents) per 100 square feet of the planting. It is best to split the application, applying half of the recommended amount in mid-April and the second half four to six weeks later. Organic fertilizer sources such as compost, chicken manure, sul-po-mag, and rock phosphate may be used in place of synthetic fertilizers.
Raspberry 'Dorman Red' Pruning Instructions
After planting raspberries, the plants will soon send up suckers from the roots and crowns to form a hedge, which should be maintained at 12 to 18 inches wide at the base.
Pruning is a vital part of maintaining a healthy raspberry planting. This practice greatly inhibits the spread of raspberry diseases and improves fruit quality and yield. During the Summer months, regularly remove all new canes that emerge outside the desired plant row width of 12 to 18 inches. This improves light penetration and air circulation for the canes that will fruit next year. Also remove any canes that show obvious signs of insect or disease injury. In the late Winter or early Spring, before the buds break, remove all of the old canes that fruited the previous year - these have gray, peeling bark and branches. Again, remove canes that have emerged outside of the desired 12 to 18" width at the base. Maintaining this narrow width at the base will assure adequate light penetration and air circulation to promote healthy cane growth and reduce disease problems. Only the most vigorous canes, those with the greatest height and basal diameter, should be left in the row. Continue pruning until there are 5 or so canes left per plant or per foot of row space. These remaining canes should be attached to the trellis wires or fence with twine. Finally, remove all of the plant waste from around the plant. Plant waste can harbor diseases and insects that may attack the healthy canes.
Raspberries are ready to pick when they easily separate from the receptacle or core. All bramble fruit is extremely perishable and should be harvested frequently. To maintain fresh quality, place fruit in shallow containers, no more than three berries deep, and cool the fruit to 33 degrees F as quickly as possible. Fruit properly harvested and held at this temperature can maintain fresh quality for three to seven days. If the fruit is to be made into jam or jelly, process it immediately, or freeze it until ready to use.
Raspberry 'Dorman Red' Pest Instructions
A well-kept raspberry planting can provide fruit for 10 to 20 years, but weeds, viruses, fungi, and several types of insects can greatly reduce yield and may destroy the planting if they are not controlled. Many problems can be prevented by proper planning and care. Select only raspberry cultivars that are very hardy for your area. If possible, destroy all wild brambles within 600 feet of the planting. If planting in hedgerows, encourage good air circulation by having at least 8 feet between your plant rows and keeping the hedges to a 12 to 18" width at the base. Prune your plants regularly to promote healthy new growth and reduce the spread of diseases. Keep the planting weed-free to discourage insect pests and prevent competition for water and nutrients. If these simple steps for care are taken, insect and disease problems should be kept at a minimum. For specific indentification and management techiniques for any insects or diseases, contact your Local Extension Agent.