Raspberries are small, juicy fruits belonging to the Rubus genus, prized for their vibrant colors and sweet-tart flavor. They grow on perennial shrubs with woody canes, thriving in temperate climates with well-drained soil. The berries form in clusters, ripening in summer or fall, depending on the plant’s fruiting habit. Their delicate texture makes them popular for fresh eating, desserts, or preserves.
The plants are either summer-bearing (floricane) or fall-bearing (primocane), dictating when fruit appears. Summer-bearing types produce one large crop on second-year canes, while fall-bearing types yield on first-year canes, often extending the harvest. Both require pruning to maintain vigor and maximize yields. Raspberries prefer full sun and moderate watering.
Available in red, black, purple, and yellow hues, raspberries vary in flavor from sweet to tangy. Red varieties are the most common, while black and purple types offer a richer, earthier taste. Yellow raspberries tend to be milder and sweeter. Each color adds visual and culinary diversity to gardens and dishes.
Raspberries are packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack. Their fragile nature requires careful handling during harvest to avoid bruising. They can be eaten fresh, frozen, or processed into jams, juices, or baked goods, offering versatility in the kitchen.
Cultivating raspberries involves trellising or support for sprawling canes, especially for vigorous types. They are susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases such as root rot, requiring good air circulation and soil management. With proper care, raspberry plants can produce bountiful harvests for years.
Red Raspberry Varieties
Autumn Bliss
Autumn Bliss is a primocane (fall-bearing) red raspberry known for its robust, upright canes that require minimal staking. The berries are medium to large, bright red, and conical, with a sweet-tart flavor that intensifies as they ripen. The fruit’s firm texture makes it excellent for fresh eating, freezing, or jams.
This variety is easily identified by its late summer to early fall fruiting season, often continuing until the first frost. Its canes are moderately thorny, and the plant is highly disease-resistant, particularly to root rot, making it a favorite for home gardeners and commercial growers in temperate climates.
Boyne
Boyne is a floricane (summer-bearing) red raspberry prized for its cold hardiness, thriving in harsh northern climates. Its berries are medium-sized, round, and deep red, with a juicy, sweet flavor ideal for fresh consumption, canning, or freezing.
The canes are sturdy, moderately thorny, and grow vigorously, producing dense foliage that shelters the fruit. Boyne’s fruit ripens early to mid-summer, and its compact growth habit makes it recognizable in smaller gardens. The variety’s resilience to cold and consistent yields distinguish it from less hardy raspberries.
Canby
Canby is a floricane red raspberry notable for its nearly thornless canes, making it easier to harvest. The berries are large, bright red, and slightly elongated, with a sweet, mild flavor that shines in fresh eating and desserts. Canby’s fruit is less tart than other red varieties, and its firm texture holds up well in processing.
The plant’s upright growth and sparse thorns are key identifying traits, along with its mid-summer fruiting period. Canby is less cold-hardy than Boyne but thrives in milder climates, with good resistance to viral diseases.
Caroline
Caroline, a primocane variety, is identified by its vigorous growth and extended harvest season, often producing from late summer into fall. Its berries are large, dark red, and conical, with a bold, sweet-tart flavor that makes them versatile for fresh use, jams, or baking.
The canes are tall, slightly thorny, and produce high yields, making Caroline a standout for productivity. Its fruit ripens earlier than some fall-bearing varieties, and the plant’s ability to thrive in diverse climates, along with its disease resistance, makes it a recognizable choice for home growers.
Heritage
Heritage is a widely grown primocane red raspberry, easily identified by its reliable, high-yielding nature and upright, moderately thorny canes. The berries are medium-sized, firm, and bright red, with a classic sweet-tart raspberry flavor that suits fresh eating, freezing, or preserves.
Heritage produces two crops in milder climates: a smaller summer crop on floricanes and a larger fall crop on primocanes. Its extended fruiting season (late summer to frost) and adaptability to various soils make it a staple in gardens, with its uniform berries and sturdy growth as key identifiers.
Killarney
Killarney, a floricane variety, is distinguished by its cold hardiness and vibrant, medium-sized red berries that ripen in early to mid-summer. The berries are round, bright red, and sweet, with a juicy texture perfect for fresh eating or freezing.
The canes are moderately thorny, upright, and vigorous, producing dense clusters of fruit. Killarney’s compact growth and ability to withstand harsh winters make it recognizable in colder regions. Its berries’ glossy appearance and consistent size, along with good disease resistance, set it apart.
Latham
Latham is a floricane red raspberry recognized for its cold-hardy nature and medium-sized, round, bright red berries that ripen in mid-summer. The berries have a sweet-tart flavor, making them versatile for fresh eating, canning, or jams.
The canes are vigorous, upright, and moderately thorny, with dense foliage that protects the fruit. Latham’s extended harvest period and resistance to some viral diseases distinguish it in cooler climates. Its uniform, glossy berries and sturdy growth habit make it easily identifiable in traditional raspberry patches.
Nova
Nova is a floricane red raspberry prized for its extreme cold hardiness, thriving in harsh northern regions. Its berries are medium-sized, firm, and bright red, with a tart, slightly sweet flavor suited for fresh use, freezing, or processing.
The canes are upright, moderately thorny, and highly productive, producing fruit in early to mid-summer. Nova’s compact growth and ability to withstand cold winters set it apart, with its consistent berry size and disease resistance making it recognizable for growers in challenging climates.
Polana
Polana is a primocane red raspberry known for its early-ripening, medium-sized, bright red berries that appear in late summer to early fall. The berries are conical, firm, and have a balanced sweet-tart flavor, ideal for fresh markets or preserves.
The canes are short, sturdy, and slightly thorny, requiring minimal support. Polana’s early fall fruiting and high yields make it a favorite for extending the raspberry season. Its compact growth and vibrant fruit color are key identifiers in garden settings.
Prelude
Prelude is a unique floricane red raspberry with some primocane fruiting, identifiable as one of the earliest summer-bearing varieties. Its berries are medium-sized, round, and bright red, with a sweet, juicy flavor perfect for fresh eating or desserts.
The canes are upright, moderately thorny, and vigorous, producing fruit in early summer (floricane) and a smaller late-season crop (primocane) in milder climates. Prelude’s early ripening and dual-cropping ability make it stand out, with its glossy berries as a visual marker.
Titan
Titan is a floricane red raspberry distinguished by its exceptionally large, bright red berries that ripen in mid-summer. The berries are conical, sweet, and slightly soft, making them ideal for fresh eating but less suited for freezing.
The canes are tall, thorny, and require trellising due to their vigorous, sprawling growth. Titan’s massive fruit size and high yields are its primary identifiers, though it is less cold-hardy and more susceptible to diseases, preferring well-drained soils in milder regions.
Tulameen
Tulameen is a floricane red raspberry celebrated for its large, elongated, bright red berries with a sweet, aromatic flavor, often considered one of the best for fresh eating. The fruit ripens in mid to late summer, and its firm texture holds up well for shipping or markets.
The canes are tall, moderately thorny, and vigorous, needing support for optimal production. Tulameen’s long, glossy berries and extended harvest period make it easily recognizable, thriving in temperate climates with good disease resistance.
Black Raspberry Varieties
Bristol
Bristol is a floricane black raspberry known for its medium-sized, glossy black berries that ripen in mid-summer. The fruit has a rich, sweet-tart flavor, distinct from red raspberries, and is ideal for jams, pies, or fresh eating. Bristol’s canes are arching, moderately thorny, and require trellising for support.
The plant is less cold-hardy than some red varieties but thrives in well-drained soils. Its deep, almost purple-black berries and compact growth habit make it easily identifiable in berry patches.
Cumberland
Cumberland is a classic floricane black raspberry, recognized by its large, shiny black berries with a sweet, slightly earthy flavor. The berries are round, firm, and excellent for preserves, baking, or fresh consumption. The canes are long, arching, and thorny, often requiring support to prevent sprawling.
Cumberland ripens in mid-summer and is less cold-hardy than red varieties, preferring milder climates. Its distinctive black fruit, high yields, and vigorous growth make it a standout in black raspberry cultivation.
Jewel
Jewel is a floricane black raspberry known for its large, glossy black berries that ripen in mid-summer. The berries have a rich, sweet-tart flavor, distinct from red raspberries, and are excellent for jams, pies, or fresh eating.
The canes are arching, thorny, and vigorous, requiring trellising for support. Jewel’s deep black fruit, high productivity, and moderate cold hardiness make it a standout. Its dense foliage and robust growth habit are key identifiers in black raspberry cultivation.
Mac Black
Mac Black is a floricane black raspberry identified by its medium to large, shiny black berries with a bold, sweet-tart flavor, ripening later than most black varieties (mid to late summer). The fruit is firm, ideal for preserves or fresh use.
The canes are long, arching, and thorny, needing support to manage their vigorous growth. Mac Black’s late-season fruiting and deep, almost purple-black berries distinguish it, with moderate cold hardiness suited for milder climates.
Purple Raspberry Varieties
Brandywine
Brandywine is a floricane purple raspberry, a hybrid of red and black varieties, identified by its large, deep purple berries with a tart, robust flavor. The fruit is round, slightly soft, and best for jams, juices, or baking due to its intense taste.
The canes are vigorous, thorny, and arching, requiring trellising. Brandywine ripens in mid-summer and is moderately cold-hardy, thriving in well-drained soils. Its dark purple hue, distinct from red or black raspberries, and its sprawling growth make it recognizable.
Royalty
Royalty is a floricane purple raspberry with large, reddish-purple berries that combine the sweetness of red raspberries with the rich flavor of black ones. The fruit is firm, round, and versatile for fresh eating, canning, or desserts.
The canes are tall, thorny, and productive, with a slightly sprawling habit that benefits from support. Royalty ripens in mid to late summer and is cold-hardy, making it suitable for diverse climates. Its unique purple color and high yields are key identifying characteristics.
Glencoe
Glencoe is a floricane purple raspberry, a red-black hybrid, recognized for its medium-sized, dark purple berries with a sweet, mildly tart flavor. The berries are round, firm, and versatile for fresh eating, baking, or jams.
Notably, Glencoe is thornless, a rare trait among raspberries, making harvesting easier. The canes are compact, upright, and manageable, ideal for small gardens. Its rich purple fruit and lack of thorns are primary identifiers, with fruit ripening in mid-summer.
Success
Success is a floricane purple raspberry with medium-sized, reddish-purple berries that ripen in mid-summer. The fruit has a tart, robust flavor, best for processing into jams or juices, though it can be eaten fresh.
The canes are vigorous, thorny, and arching, requiring support. Success is moderately cold-hardy and thrives in well-drained soils. Its distinctive purple hue, slightly smaller berries, and sprawling growth habit make it recognizable among purple varieties.
Yellow Raspberry Varieties
Anne
Anne is a primocane yellow raspberry known for its large, pale yellow to golden berries with a sweet, almost honey-like flavor. The fruit is conical, firm, and ideal for fresh eating due to its low acidity.
The canes are upright, moderately thorny, and produce fruit from late summer to fall. Anne’s light-colored berries and extended harvest season distinguish it from red or black varieties. Its disease resistance and adaptability to various climates make it a recognizable choice for gardeners seeking unique raspberries.
Fall Gold
Fall Gold is a primocane yellow raspberry, easily identified by its medium-sized, golden-yellow berries with a sweet, delicate flavor. The fruit is soft, round, and best for fresh eating or light processing, as it can be fragile.
The canes are upright, slightly thorny, and produce two crops in milder climates: a small summer crop and a larger fall crop. Fall Gold’s bright, golden fruit and vigorous growth make it a standout, with its late-season fruiting and cold hardiness adding to its appeal.
Golden Queen
Golden Queen is a floricane yellow raspberry known for its medium-sized, pale yellow to creamy white berries with a sweet, mild flavor, ideal for fresh eating. The fruit ripens in mid-summer and is soft, requiring careful handling.
The canes are upright, moderately thorny, and vigorous, producing moderate yields. Golden Queen’s pale, almost translucent berries and delicate flavor distinguish it from other yellow varieties, with moderate cold hardiness suited for temperate regions.
Kiwi Gold
Kiwi Gold is a primocane yellow raspberry identified by its medium-sized, golden-yellow berries with a sweet, tangy flavor, ripening in late summer to fall. The fruit is firm, conical, and excellent for fresh eating or desserts.
The canes are upright, slightly thorny, and produce high yields, often with a second crop in milder climates. Kiwi Gold’s bright golden fruit and extended fruiting season make it a standout, with its disease resistance and adaptability adding to its appeal.