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RED RASPBERRY CULTIVARS FOR NEW ENGLAND 



David T. Handley 

 Extension Vegetable and Small Fruit Specialist 

 University of Maine 



Red raspberry production is currently increasing in New England, pri- 

 marily for the retail and "picl<-your-own" markets. There are however, 

 severe limits regarding the number of cultivars which can characteristically 

 withstand the extreme winter temperatures, and produce a good crop during 

 the relatively short growing season. Only those cultivars described as 

 hardy or very hardy should be considered for the Northeast. Careful atten- 

 tion to site selection and cultural practices can further reduce winter 

 damage. 



Plant several cultivars to provide variety and stretch out the harvest 

 season. If planting everbearing types (those which bear twice in one 

 season), note the average harvest date of the second crop. Cultivars such 

 as Heritage may bear too late for some areas and succumb to frost. 



The table below describes cultivars generally acceptable for the New 

 England region. This is no guarantee that any of these cultivars could sur- 

 vive every winter, however. It is more than likely that some winter damage 

 will be experienced every year. Select cultivars according to hardiness, 

 ripening time, and fruit quality. Always evaluate new cultivars in small 

 test plantings for several seasons, as performance can vary according to 

 site, soil type, and production practices. 



RED RASPBERRY CULTIVARS RECOffCNDED FOR TRIAL IN NEW ENGLAND 

 OBSERVED AND/OR DOCUMENTED CULTIVAR CHARACTERISTICS 



