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Raspberry Chilliwack – Loose

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Raspberry ‘Chilliwack’ (Rubus idaeus) is a high-performing, dual-cropping variety supplied in a loose pack of 25 dormant, bare-rooted canes, ideal for establishing a productive berry patch. It produces large, vibrant, deep red berries with a sweet, rich flavour. Spring flowers are followed by a main harvest in summer, with a secondary flush possible in autumn under favourable conditions. The fruit stays firmly attached to the canes and holds well after picking, allowing for staggered harvests and extended freshness. As a floricane type, ‘Chilliwack’ fruits on second-year canes and performs reliably in climates with a cold winter. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil to enjoy tall, upright canes with vigorous growth, excellent disease resistance, and very few thorns, making it an excellent choice for home growers seeking a prolific and sturdy berry crop.

SKU: TCRASCHL002-1-1 Category: Tags: , ,

Description

Raspberry Chilliwack (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry ‘Chilliwack’ is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Rosaceae family. This high-performing, dual-cropping variety fruits on second-year canes, known as floricanes, producing a main harvest in mid-summer and a smaller second flush in autumn when conditions allow. Large, firm, deep red berries with a rich, sweet flavour develop from small white spring flowers on canes that typically grow to 1.5 metres high and 50 cm wide, often taller in favourable conditions.

Well suited to cool, temperate, and arid climates, ‘Chilliwack’ thrives where a cool winter chill is present. Supplied in packs of 25 bare-rooted canes, this quantity is ideal for establishing a productive berry patch, creating a fruiting hedge, or planting in rows for generous yields. With strong upright growth, very few thorns, and excellent disease resistance, ‘Chilliwack’ is a rewarding and reliable choice for home gardeners of all experience levels.

Uses and Nutritional Content
Raspberry Chilliwack produces firm, juicy berries bursting with flavour. They are perfect for fresh snacking or used in cooking to make desserts, jams, or sauces. Enjoy a generous four-week summer harvest, with the bonus of a smaller second flush in autumn when conditions are favourable. Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, fibre, and antioxidants, these berries are as nutritious as they are delicious.

When to Plant
Plant from winter to early spring while the plant is dormant, ensuring the soil is workable and free from frost or excess water. If you can’t plant immediately, store canes in a cool, dry place and plant as soon as possible.

Where to Plant
Plant in a permanent position with full sun to part shade, either in the ground or in a pot, ensuring good airflow and well-drained soil. In hot regions, afternoon shade is beneficial to protect the leaves and fruit. Choose a site sheltered from strong winds to prevent cane breakage and stress. Avoid low-lying or damp areas where poor drainage may lead to root problems.

Soil Preparation
Raspberries grow best in well-drained, moderately acidic to near-neutral soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5, though they can tolerate soils up to 6.8. Before planting, mix in well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve fertility and structure. Improve clay or sandy soils with organic matter. In areas with poor drainage, consider planting in raised beds.

Training
Raspberries need support due to their long, flexible canes. Use a trellis, wire, or fence, suitable for both garden beds and large pots. In the first year, primocanes grow and establish but do not fruit. These canes will return the following spring as floricanes.

From the second year onward, tie the floricanes to one side of the support and the new season’s primocanes to the other. This keeps fruiting and non-fruiting canes organised, improves airflow, helps prevent damage, and makes harvesting and annual pruning easier.

How to Plant
• Soak bare-rooted canes in water for up to an hour before planting.
• Dig a hole deep enough to spread roots.
• Space 40–60 cm apart, with 1.5 metres between rows.
• Spread the roots roughly 10 cm deep and position the crown just a few centimetres below the soil surface.
• Backfill and firm soil gently.
• Water in thoroughly, then apply mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the crown.

Growing in Pots
If planting in a pot, choose one that is at least 40 cm deep and wide with good drainage, and fill it with a premium potting mix enriched with compost or organic matter. Follow the same planting and care steps as for growing in the ground. Plant only one cane per pot to reduce overcrowding, allow adequate airflow, and ensure the plant has enough space to develop a strong root system.

Pruning
‘Chilliwack’ is a summer-fruiting, dual-cropping variety that produces its main crop on second-year canes, known as floricanes. In late winter, once the plant is dormant, prune all canes that fruited during the previous season down to ground level, as they will not produce fruit again. Retain the strong, healthy new canes that grew during the last spring and summer, as these will bear fruit in the coming season.

While it may produce a small second flush in autumn, it still fruits on second-year canes and should be pruned as a summer-bearing variety. In regions with extended growing seasons, this second crop can develop naturally on side shoots from the same canes that fruited earlier in summer. This occurs without special pruning. If you notice berries forming late in the season, simply delay pruning those canes until the second harvest is complete. Otherwise, pruning in late winter remains the simplest and most reliable method.

Always remove any weak, damaged, or diseased canes during pruning to maintain airflow and encourage healthy growth.

Managing Runners
Remove runners or suckers to prevent overcrowding or allow some to root for propagation.

Watering and Feeding
Keep the soil consistently moist in spring and summer, watering at the base. In early spring, feed with a complete fertiliser such as fish emulsion, blood and bone, compost, or well-rotted manure. A light feed in summer with a high-potassium fertiliser can support primocane development, especially in pots. No feeding is needed in autumn. In winter, apply compost and mulch to protect roots.

Harvesting
Fruit ripens over four weeks from mid-summer, with a potential second flush in autumn. Timing may vary depending on region and climate. Berries are ready when deep red, plump, and release with a gentle tug. Harvest in the cool of the morning every few days. Enjoy fresh or use in jams, cooking, and smoothies.

Pests and Diseases
Watch for aphids, spider mites, fruit flies, and birds. Use insecticidal soap, netting, and regular picking. Prevent grey mould and rust with good airflow and by removing affected material.

Safety
The fruit is edible; however, we do not recommend consuming any other part of the plant, including the leaves, roots, or canes. The plants are safe to touch, but can still develop some thorns, so wearing gloves when handling is advised. Monitor children and pets around canes to ensure their safety.

Supplied as bare-rooted canes.

Additional information

Botanical Name

Rubus idaeus
Quantity in Pack

25 Canes
Harvest Time

Raspberry ‘Chilliwack’ is a summer-bearing, dual-cropping variety that produces its main harvest from mid-summer, lasting around four weeks. A smaller second flush may occur in autumn when growing conditions are favourable. Harvest timing may vary depending on region and climate.
Planting Time

Plant from winter to early spring. Ensure the soil is workable, not frozen or waterlogged. Protect young plants from frost by covering them with frost cloth or planting them in pots so they can be moved into the ground when conditions are suitable.
Planting Depth

Plant so that the roots sit approximately 10 cm deep, with the crown positioned just below the soil surface, no more than a few centimetres. Avoid planting too deeply, as this can cause rot, or too shallow, which may expose the roots. Ensure the hole is wide and deep enough to comfortably spread the roots.

The crown is the part of the plant where the roots join the base of the cane. It’s usually slightly raised or swollen and may have visible buds. This should sit just below the soil surface after planting.
Planting Width

Plant 40–60 cm apart within rows, with 1.5 metres between each row.
Soil

Raspberries grow best in rich, moist, and well-drained soil with a moderately acidic profile. Aim for a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, though plants can tolerate levels up to 6.8 in fertile, well-prepared conditions. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging and reduce the risk of root rot.

Before planting, prepare the soil to a depth of at least 30 cm and incorporate well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve fertility, structure, and moisture retention. Avoid fresh manure, as it can burn young roots and disrupt soil pH.

In heavy clay soils, add plenty of organic matter to improve drainage and aeration. In sandy soils, mix in compost, aged manure, or coco peat to enhance moisture and nutrient retention. Applying mulch on top can further regulate soil temperature and reduce evaporation.

In areas with poor drainage or compacted ground, consider planting raspberries in raised garden beds to improve airflow and prevent root rot.

Well-prepared soil provides the foundation for productive, long-lived raspberry plants.

For potted raspberries, use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix enriched with compost or organic matter to create a stable and balanced growing environment.
How to Plant

Choose a sunny position with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily, preferably with some afternoon shade to help reduce heat stress. Avoid planting in too much shade, as this can reduce fruiting and lead to weak, leggy growth. Good airflow is important to help prevent disease.

If planting in a windy location, consider installing a windbreak to shield plants from strong, damaging gusts. This protects the canes and supports healthy growth.

Before planting, soaking bare-root canes in water for up to an hour is recommended, though not essential. This helps rehydrate the roots after storage and gives the plant a stronger start in the soil. Prepare the site by enriching the soil with well-rotted compost or manure before digging.

Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots comfortably. Plant so the roots sit about 10 cm deep, with the crown just below the soil surface, no more than a few centimetres. Avoid planting too deeply, as this can cause rot. In poorly drained areas, create a small mound at the base of the planting hole and spread the roots over it, or plant in raised beds to improve drainage.

Space canes 40–60 cm apart within rows, with 1.5 metres between rows for airflow and maintenance. Backfill with soil or a soil-compost mix, firm gently around the roots to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.

After planting, apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it a few centimetres clear of the crown. You can use straw, sugarcane mulch, or well-rotted compost or manure as a mulch layer. If using compost or manure alone, apply generously and reapply as needed to maintain coverage.

For pots, use one cane per container at least 40 cm deep and wide, filled with premium potting mix enriched with compost or organic matter. After planting, apply a small amount of complete fertiliser and water well. Ensure good drainage and follow the same planting principles.
Optional: Our canes are carefully prepared and usually arrive at a suitable planting height, often around 15–20 cm, though some may be shorter. They are ready to plant as they are and do not need trimming. If preferred, you can trim to around 15 cm for ease or uniformity, but this is optional and will not affect performance.
Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing and fruiting season. This ensures the plant has enough water to support healthy growth and fruit production. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases. Use a watering can or hose to apply water slowly and evenly.

To avoid waterlogging, ensure your soil is well-drained. If the soil tends to retain water, consider improving drainage by adding organic matter like compost, or plant on a slight mound to help water flow away from the roots. Raised beds or containers with drainage holes also help keep water from collecting around the roots.

In containers, check the moisture regularly as pots can dry out faster than garden beds. Adjust watering accordingly, especially in warmer weather.

During winter, water only if the soil is dry, particularly in drier climates, as the plant is dormant and requires minimal water. Avoid watering during frost periods, as frozen soil can prevent water absorption and may damage the roots.
Fertilise

In early spring, apply a complete fertiliser to support strong cane growth. Use granular fertiliser, fish emulsion, blood and bone, compost, or well-rotted manure. In summer, you can apply a high-potassium fertiliser, such as sulphate of potash or a tomato-specific blend, to support healthy primocane growth for next year’s crop. This is especially helpful in poor soils or potted plants. No feeding is needed after fruiting finishes. In winter, avoid fertilising and apply compost and mulch instead to protect the roots and improve the soil.
In subsequent years, continue to apply fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and fruit production. Even if you enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure in winter, a balanced fertiliser in spring will maintain plant vitality and ensure good yields.
Pruning

‘Chilliwack’ is a summer-fruiting, dual-cropping variety. Its primary crop is produced on second-year canes, known as floricanes, but it may also yield a smaller autumn flush on side shoots of those same canes, particularly in regions with long growing seasons.

No pruning is required in the first year after planting. Allow all new primocanes to grow undisturbed to help establish a strong root system and framework for future cropping. These primocanes will become floricanes in their second year, bearing the main summer crop.

Once the plant is dormant, prune all canes that fruited during the previous season down to ground level. These floricanes will not fruit again and should be removed to improve airflow and redirect energy to new growth. Floricanes are typically woodier, grey-brown, and brittle, often showing remnants of fruiting laterals or dried flower stems. In contrast, primocanes are more flexible, with smoother green to reddish skin. Pruning can be done after the final harvest or in mid to late winter when the plant is leafless and fully dormant, which makes identifying the canes easier and helps reduce disease risk.

Retain the strong, healthy new primocanes that emerged during the last growing season, as these will develop into floricanes and carry the next crop. Always remove any weak, damaged, or diseased canes to encourage healthy growth and maintain good airflow.

Please note: Although ‘Chilliwack’ may produce a smaller second harvest in autumn, it should be pruned as a summer-bearing variety. Only prune the floricanes; do not remove the new primocanes, as these are vital for the next season’s main crop. The second flush is more likely in regions with extended growing seasons and may not occur in all climates.
Harvest

Chilliwack is a mid-season variety that typically fruits from mid-summer for around four weeks. If conditions are ideal, a smaller second harvest may occur in autumn. As climate and growing conditions vary across regions and from year to year, harvesting times may shift. Use this as a general guide: expect fruit mid-season in summer, with a possible second flush in autumn.

Fruit ripens gradually, so check your plants every few days during the harvest period. Berries start out green and firm, then develop into large, deep red fruit with a rich, sweet flavour. ‘Chilliwack’ berries remain firmly attached to the canes even when ripe, allowing you to harvest gradually as each berry reaches peak ripeness. For best results, pick in the cool of the morning when berries are at their firmest. Prompt harvesting still helps maintain quality, especially in warm conditions.

These large, flavourful berries are perfect for fresh eating, desserts, jams, and cooking. Use them in pies, crumbles, compotes, or to add a sweet-tart balance to savoury dishes. They also freeze well for later use.
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