Heritage Red Raspberry

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-7 Feet

Mature Spread

5-7 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Heritage Red Raspberry, Everbearing Raspberry, or Rubus idaeus var. strigosus ‘Heritage’, is one of the most widely grown, fall-crop raspberries in the world. It is an upright growing, self-pollinating variety known for producing several crops throughout the season, one in midsummer and a second, larger crop in the fall. The Heritage blooms in spring with white to pink rose-like flowers with five petals that soon give way to an abundance of berries. The berries of the Heritage are bright, firm, and sweet. They are easy to grow and will not crumble or drop, even when they are overripe. Heritage Red Raspberries are low-maintenance, and do not need to be staked or grown on a trellis to support their fruit-heavy canes. 

Heritage Red Raspberries are hardy and fast-growing. Without proper pruning, the Heritage can quickly spread into a tangled mess of thorns and stems. They should be grown in areas where naturalization is an option. To encourage the production of fresh primocanes, which are biennial, and only live for two seasons, prune away old or dying canes. You should also prune any summer-bearing canes as soon as they are finished fruiting. Heritage Raspberries yield between 1 to 2 quarts of berries per vine.  

Heritage Raspberry Bush Care

Heritage Red Raspberry should be planted in the spring in areas with full sun or dappled shade. Space your Heritage Reds from 2 to 3 feet apart at planting. Heritage plants perform best in nutrient-rich, slightly-acidic soil that is consistently moist and has excellent drainage.

Growing Heritage Raspberry Bushes

The cane-like stems of Heritage Red Raspberries can reach heights of 3 to 7 feet tall with a spread of 3 to 4 feet.They are easy to grow and will produce berries in only their second growing season. They grow at a fast rate, increasing in height up to 24 inches in a year.

Growing Heritage Red Raspberries in Containers

If you have limited space, or live in areas with heavy clay soils, Heritage Red Raspberry can be grown in large pots, raised beds, or containers with good drainage. Heritage Raspberries in containers will need more water. These plush, extra-sweet beauties are commonly used for canning, freezing, jams, jellies, desserts, and a plethora of other culinary masterpieces. 

Watering Heritage Red Raspberry Bushes

Heritage Red Raspberry plants should be watered whenever the soil is dry to the touch, and reach their full potential with medium, consistent moisture - about an inch per week. At planting, they need additional water until the root system is well-established, 2 to 3 times per week. Water only in the cool hours of the morning or evening. Some gardeners prefer to mulch the base of their raspberries to help retain moisture.

Feeding Heritage Red Raspberry Bushes

Fertilize your raspberries in early spring, midway through the summer after the first crop has waned, and just before the first frost. Use slow-release fertilizers, and blend them well into the soil. This will help the plant retain energy over the winter and produce more berries in the following season.