How to prune raspberry canes for healthy fruiting

Hand holding raspberries

How to prune raspberry canes for healthy fruiting

Is it ok to cut the tops off of raspberry canes to keep them more manageable?

It’s best not to cut the tops off your raspberry canes. Instead, focus on pruning correctly depending on whether the cane has already fruited or not.

Older canes that have fruited should be cut right back to ground level in late autumn or early winter. You’ll also notice plenty of new, vigorous canes coming through - these are the ones that will fruit next season. Choose three to four of the strongest new canes and tie them to a fence or support wire. Remove the rest to avoid overcrowding and encourage better airflow and fruit production.

Keep an eye out for extra canes popping up again in spring and early summer, and thin them out as needed to keep your plants manageable and productive.
 

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