Polana Raspberry

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

5-7 Feet

Mature Spread

5-7 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Polana Raspberry, Everbearing Raspberry ‘Polana’, or Rubus idaeus ‘Polana’, is an early everbearing variety of raspberries that is noted for its early season fruit, abundant, fruit-laden canes, and compact, manageable size. If you live in an area with early fall frost, the Polana Raspberry is an excellent choice. The Polana produces short but cold hardy canes that bloom in early spring with five-petaled, white-to-pink flowers. These flowers give way to spades of plump, red berries that are medium to large in size, glossy, and succulent, bursting with sweetness in every bite. Keep the berries cool after harvesting. They will not all ripen at the same time. Polanas will bear a small crop of fruit during their first season of growth, and, in the second year, two additional crops during the summer and fall seasons. Each plant produces from 1 to 2 quarts of berries per harvest.

Polana Raspberry Bush Care

When planting, space your Polana Raspberries 2 to 3 feet apart. Polana Raspberries perform best in areas with full sun and good airflow. They are not great when planted near structures. The ideal soil for Polana Raspberries should be fertile and have excellent drainage with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Areas with poor drainage will lead to root rot and minimal fruiting. This self-pollinating power grower should be pruned in early spring by cutting the 6 to 8 strongest new canes at a 45-degree angle. Weaker new canes should be removed completely. Old canes will produce a crop in late spring. Afterward, trim them away.  

Growing Polana Raspberry Bushes

Polana Raspberries reach a mature height of up to 6 feet, with a spread of 1 to 3 feet. Although they are cold hardy, they should be planted in early spring after the last hard frost. Your Polana are resistant to many root diseases, but are susceptible to verticillium wilt, and should be planted anywhere tomatoes, peppers, or potatoes have been grown. Watch your plant for signs of distress from aphids, mites, and woodlice.

Growing Polana Raspberry in Containers

Polana Raspberry can be grown in a container, so long as it is at least both 24 inches wide and deep. Five gallon pots are an excellent choice for Polanas. They will need very good drainage as well as consistent moisture. Do not plant more than one bare-root per 16 inch container. Mulching is a good idea, even in a container.

Watering Polana Raspberry Bushes

Polana Raspberries should be watered often when they are first planted, especially in the first 4 to 6 weeks. In warmer climates, you may need to water your Polanas twice a day to maintain consistent moisture. Mulch the base of your Polana Raspberries to help retain moisture and protect delicate roots. Once your Polanas have stopped producing fruit, they no longer need to be watered. 

Feeding Polana Raspberry Bushes

Your Polana will need additional fertilizer in both May and June to encourage fresh canes and energize the new canes for the fall harvest. The Polana is a heavy feeder and performs best with a slow-release fertilizer. For optimal growth, try a top-dressing of compost every two years.

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