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Raspberry

Complete care guide for premium berries seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.

Category

berries

Price

KES 600

Time to Fruit

12-18 months

Complete Care Guide

Detailed care instructions for growing your Raspberry seedling successfully

Watering

Requires 80-120 cm of well-distributed rainfall annually. In drier regions, drip irrigation is crucial during dry spells to maintain consistent moisture. Maintain consistent soil moisture, watering every 3-4 days during dry periods. Drip irrigation is ideal to deliver water directly to roots, reducing fungal risks.

Sunlight

Needs full sun (6-8 hours daily) for maximum fruit production, though partial shade is tolerated in hotter areas to prevent berry scorch.

Soil Requirements

Prefers well-drained, loamy soils rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils to prevent root rot. Site Selection: Select fertile, well-drained soils. Conduct a soil test to adjust pH with lime (if too acidic) or sulfur (if too alkaline). Incorporate 10-15 kg of compost or well-rotted manure per square meter to boost fertility. Land Preparation: Clear weeds and debris. Till the soil to a depth of 30 cm to enhance aeration. Create raised beds (30 cm high) to improve drainage, especially in heavy soils. Planting: Dig holes 30 cm deep and 30 cm wide, mixing soil with 5-10 kg of compost. Plant seedlings at the same depth as in nursery pots, ensuring roots are spread out. Water generously after planting. Plant during the rainy season (March-April or October-November) to ensure adequate moisture for root establishment.

Temperature

Optimal range is 15°C-25°C, with cool nights. Raspberries are sensitive to extreme heat above 30°C and frost below 0°C. Highland areas like Nyeri, Kiambu, Eldoret, and Limuru are ideal due to their cooler climates. Best grown at 1,500-2,500 meters above sea level, where cooler temperatures mimic the berry's native conditions. Lowland cultivation is possible with shade nets or greenhouses.

Fertilizer

Apply organic compost (5-10 kg per plant) annually. Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., NPK 10-10-10) at 50-100 g per plant every 2-3 months during the growing season. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to prevent excessive vegetative growth.

Spacing

Plant raspberries 0.5-1 meter apart in rows, with 2-2.5 meters between rows, allowing 2,000-3,000 plants per acre. Use trellises or stakes to support canes and maximize airflow.

Time to Fruit

Raspberries typically fruit within 12-18 months from planting, with everbearing varieties producing in their first year under optimal conditions.

Pest & Disease Management

Pests:

  • Spider Mites (use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays, maintain humidity to deter mites in dry conditions)
  • Raspberry Cane Borers (remove and destroy affected canes)
  • Aphids (introduce ladybugs or spray neem-based solutions to control aphid populations)
  • Fruit Flies (use pheromone traps or organic baits)

Diseases:

  • Powdery Mildew (ensure good airflow through proper spacing and pruning)
  • Root Rot (avoid waterlogging by improving drainage)
  • Anthracnose (spray copper-based fungicides and remove infected plant parts promptly)

Varieties:

  • Choose high-yielding
  • everbearing varieties like 'Heritage' or 'Autumn Bliss' for continuous harvests. Primocane varieties fruit in their first year
  • ideal for quick returns. Training and

Pruning:

  • Train canes onto trellises or T-shaped supports to keep fruit off the ground and improve harvest efficiency. Prune annually during the dry season (January-February)
  • cut back fruiting canes after harvest to encourage new growth. Weed Management (Mulch with straw)
  • wood chips
  • or grass clippings to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Hand-weed or use shallow hoeing to avoid damaging shallow raspberry roots. Health Benefits (anthocyanins and ellagic acid)
  • high in fiber
  • packed with vitamin C
  • manganese
  • and vitamin K
  • low-calorie. Uses (Fresh consumption)
  • processed products (jams, jellies, juices, ice creams, baked goods, wine)
  • culinary uses
  • medicinal uses.

Growing Timeline

Phase 1

Planting

Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly

Phase 2

Establishment

Regular watering, fertilizer application

Phase 3

Growth

Pruning, maintenance, pest management

Phase 4

Fruiting

Harvest and ongoing maintenance

Common Issues & Solutions

Water Stress

Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.

Cold/Frost Damage

Protect plants during cold periods with covers or windbreaks. Choose appropriate planting locations. Consider frost-resistant varieties. Water plants before expected frost to help protect roots.

Aphid Infestation

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Remove affected leaves and maintain good air circulation. Control ants that protect aphids.

Spider Mite Infestation

Increase humidity around plants. Spray with water to dislodge mites. Use neem oil or miticides if severe. Avoid dusty conditions that favor mites.

Quick Reference

Min Temperature

10°C

Ideal Sunlight

6+ hrs

Water Frequency

Regular

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Ready to start growing?

Order this premium Raspberry seedling today and begin your agricultural success story