If you’re wondering when to plant raspberries in Missouri, you’ve come to the right place. Timing is everything for a successful harvest, and getting it right sets your plants up for years of fruit. Missouri’s climate, with its cold winters and hot summers, offers two excellent planting windows. This guide will walk you through the best times and how to make the most of them.
When To Plant Raspberries In Missouri
The best time for planting raspberries in Missouri is either in early spring or in the fall. Each season has it’s own advantages, and the right choice often depends on your specific situation and the type of plant you have.
Spring Planting: The Most Popular Choice
For most gardeners, early spring is the preferred time. You aim to plant as soon as the ground is workable—typically from late March through April. The soil is thawing and moist from spring rains, which is perfect for encouraging new root growth.
Spring planting gives the plants a full growing season to establish their root systems before the stress of their first Missouri winter. This is especially helpful for bare-root plants, which need extra time to settle in. You’ll often see stronger first-year growth with a spring planting.
Fall Planting: A Great Alternative
Fall is also a fantastic time to plant, particularly from late September to mid-October. The soil is still warm from the summer, which promotes root development, but the air is cooler, reducing stress on the plant.
By planting in fall, your raspberries get a head start. They’ll establish roots quietly underground and be ready to burst into growth the following spring. This can sometimes lead to a slightly earlier or more robust harvest in the second year. It’s a excellent option for container-grown plants.
A key rule for fall planting is to get them in the ground at least 4-6 weeks before the first hard freeze. This gives the roots enough time to anchor themselves.
What to Avoid
Steer clear of planting in the peak of summer. The intense heat and drought stress can be too much for new plants. Likewise, planting too late in fall, when the ground is cold, won’t allow for any root establishment.
Choosing Your Raspberry Type
Knowing whether you have summer-bearing or everbearing (also called fall-bearing) raspberries influences care, but not necessarily the planting window. Both types can be planted in spring or fall.
- Summer-bearing: Produce one large crop on second-year canes (called floricanes) in early summer.
- Everbearing/Fall-bearing: Often produce a smaller summer crop on floricanes and a larger fall crop on first-year canes (primocanes). Many gardeners simply cut these down each winter for a single, robust fall harvest.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve picked your season, follow these steps for success.
1. Select the Perfect Site
Raspberries need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases, and well-drained soil is non-negotiable. They won’t tolerate “wet feet.” Avoid areas where tomatoes, potatoes, or peppers have grown recently, as they can share soil-borne diseases.
2. Prepare the Soil
Missouri soils often need improvement. Raspberries thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Get a soil test. It’s the best investment you can make.
- Work in generous amounts of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- If your soil is heavy clay, raised beds can be a lifesaver.
3. Planting Your Raspberries
- Soak bare-root plants in water for 1-2 hours before planting. Water container plants thoroughly.
- Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out comfortably.
- Place the plant so the crown (where the stems meet the roots) is about 1-2 inches above the soil line. This prevents rot.
- Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
- Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil.
4. Spacing and Support
Raspberries need room. Space plants 2-3 feet apart within a row, with rows 6-8 feet apart. Installing a trellis or support system at planting time is much easier than adding it later. A simple T-post and wire system works wonderfully.
Essential Aftercare for Missouri Climates
Your job isn’t done after planting. Consistent care ensures a bountiful harvest.
Watering and Mulching
Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, especially during the first year and during fruit development. A thick layer of mulch (like wood chips or straw) is crucial. It conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures even. Mulch also protects those important shallow roots.
Fertilizing Wisely
Go easy on fertilizer in the first year. Too much can harm the plants. In subsequent springs, apply a balanced fertilizer or compost based on your soil test results. Over-fertilization leads to lots of leaves but little fruit.
Pruning for Health and Harvest
Pruning is simple once you know your raspberry type. For summer-bearing varieties, cut down the canes that just finished fruiting in late summer. For everbearing varieties mowed down in winter, you’ll prune all canes to the ground in late winter. Always remove any sick or damaged canes whenever you see them.
Common Problems in Missouri Raspberries
Watch out for a few typical issues. Japanese beetles can be a nuisance; hand-pick them in the morning. Good sanitation—removing old canes and fallen leaves—helps prevent fungal diseases like anthracnose. Choosing disease-resistant varieties from the start is your best defense.
FAQ
Can I plant raspberries in Missouri in the summer?
It’s not recommended. The heat and water stress make establishment very difficult. Spring or fall are vastly better.
What is the best month to plant raspberries in Missouri?
For spring, aim for April. For fall, early to mid-October is ideal.
Do raspberries need two plants to produce fruit?
No, they are self-pollinating. One plant will produce fruit on it’s own.
How long until I get a harvest?
You might get a small harvest in the first year, especially from everbearing types. A full harvest typically comes in the second year after planting.
What are some good raspberry varieties for Missouri?
Reliable choices include ‘Heritage’ (everbearing), ‘Caroline’ (everbearing), and ‘Latham’ (summer-bearing). Your local nursery can recommend others suited to your specific area.
By following these guidelines on when to plant raspberries in Missouri and providing proper care, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying sweet, homegrown berries for many seasons to come. There’s nothing quite like walking into your garden and picking a handful of fresh raspberries you grew yourself.