Raspberries have been known for centuries as plants with healing properties. Thanks to the achievements of Polish breeding, we have varieties adapted to cultivation in our climate, yielding from July to frost and bearing fruits of various colors - from yellow, through red, to black.
The healing properties of raspberriesare related to the presence of biologically active compounds in the fruit. It is worth knowing that the varieties with darker fruit colors are richer in anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties and play an important role in protection against diseases, e.g. tumors.In addition, the richness in the so-called fruit. ellagic acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties, makes raspberry juices provide relief from colds. Antioxidants can also be found in the leaves, which is used in pharmaceuticals, e.g. anti-diarrhea teas, for rashes and as a disinfectant rinse in inflammations of the mouth and throat.
Raspberry varieties are divided into two groups: fruiting on two-year-old shoots, the so-called summer, and on annual shoots, the so-called autumn. Raspberries, which bear fruit on two-year-old shoots, in the first year of growth only form shoots and flower buds, and fruiting does not begin until the second year after planting, in July. Raspberries that bear fruit on annual shoots form shoots in one year, flower on them, bloom and bear fruit from the beginning of August.
Summer raspberries need to be led near the supports. Usually 5-7 strong, well-developed shoots are left and tied to a wire that is run horizontally between the pistils.Autumn raspberries usually do not require supports, you can only limit the spreading of their shoots to the sides by tying "clumps" of shoots with a string. By planting various varieties on the plot, we can enjoy their values from summer to autumn. We will ensure the continuity of fruiting by planting: 'Laszka' (fruiting at the end of June, beginning of July), 'Benefis' (two weeks later after 'Laszka'), 'Litacz' (black raspberry fruiting in July), 'Polesie' (the beginning of fruiting coincides end of fruiting 'Benefis'), 'Polka', 'Polana', 'Pokusa', 'Poranna Rosa' (with yellow fruit, starting fruiting at the end of August or the beginning of September).
The shoots of summer raspberries are cut after fruiting, that is around the beginning of August, to ensure the access of light and airy for the new shoots to grow. Moreover, by removing old shoots, we limit disease and pest infestation for the next year.
Autumn raspberries bear fruit practically until frost,that is why old shoots are usually removed next spring.Repetition of fruiting can be obtained for autumn raspberries. By cutting off the top of the shoot that bore fruit last year and leaving the bottom part left, we will get fruit in the summer (July). Growing new shoots will bear fruit from August until frost.
Growing raspberries
Raspberries prefer sunny positions, soils are not too heavy. They are sensitive to flooding the roots with water, so in soils with a high level of groundwater, it is worth cultivating plants on a slight elevation, on the so-called beds. The soil for raspberries should be prepared in advance, weeded and fertilized, e.g. by sowing green fertilizers (mustard, marigold, cereals). Bare-root plants are planted in fall or spring, and potted plants can be planted throughout the growing season.
