Meeker Red Raspberry

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-10 Feet

Mature Spread

3-10+ Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

The Meeker Red Raspberry or Rubus idaeus is a tried and true favorite that produces a full crop of sweet-tasting firm red berries. This low-maintenance plant has an upright growth habit, and white flowers bloom in May, with fruit ripening in July. The red raspberries can be eaten fresh or used to make jellies, jams, or preserves. The fruit freezes well or can be used in baked goods. The Meeker Red Raspberry grows as a perennial in USDA zones 5 through 8.

Meeker Red Raspberry Care 

Plant the Meeker Red Raspberry in the spring in full sun. Space bushes 3 to 4 feet apart so you can easily harvest the fruit. The stems have thorns, so plant in an area that does not have a lot of traffic. These plants are relatively easy to maintain.

Growing Meeker Red Raspberry

Two-year-old growth produces fruit, so expect berries starting in the second year. The bushes can grow rather large at 4 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 10 feet wide. Prune the bush after the harvest.

Growing Meeker Red Raspberry in Containers

Meeker Red Raspberry plants are better suited to growing in the ground, but they can grow in containers. Plant in a 14- to 16-inch container, place in full sun and water when the top few inches of soil dry out.

Watering Meeker Red Raspberry 

Water weekly or whenever the top layer of soil dries out. Plan to water more often during a dry spell.

Feeding Meeker Red Raspberry

Routine feeding will encourage a higher yield and support new growth. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer each spring.