Raspberry Nootka - Trenton Cottage
Raspberry Nootka - Trenton Cottage
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Raspberry Nootka

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Bring rich, sweet flavour and reliable harvests to your garden with Raspberry ‘Nootka’ (Rubus idaeus), a vigorous, near-thornless, summer-bearing variety valued for its medium to large, firm berries. Fruit holds well on the cane and resists spoiling, thanks to its high resistance to fruit rot. Berries are excellent fresh but truly shine in the freezer, retaining their shape and flavour beautifully for year-round enjoyment. Cropping mainly on second-year canes in early to mid-summer, ‘Nootka’ also produces a smaller second crop later in the season on new growth. Its tall, semi-arching canes respond well to training and perform best in cool, temperate, and arid climates. It can be grown in the ground and large pots and containers, making it a flexible choice for gardens of all sizes.

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Description

Raspberry Nootka (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry Nootka is a high-yielding, deciduous raspberry from the Rosaceae family, valued for its bright red, medium to large-sized berries and strong disease resistance. This self-fertile, summer-bearing variety produces its main crop on second-year canes, known as floricanes, but is unusual in that it can also fruit on new first-year canes. Known for its vigorous growth and productivity, Nootka produces fragrant, richly flavoured fruit over several weeks from late November to late January. The berries are ideal for fresh eating and preserve beautifully. Their firm texture makes them excellent for freezing, cooking, or making jams. With a semi-erect growth habit reaching 1–1.5 metres tall and around 50 cm wide, it is ideal for growing along trellises, fences, or up against walls. Nootka performs best in cool, temperate, and arid climates where a winter chill is present.

When to Plant
Plant from winter to early spring while the plant is dormant. Avoid planting in frozen or waterlogged soil. If you cannot plant immediately upon receiving, store the canes in a cool, dry place and plant as soon as possible to avoid stress.

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 Requirements
Raspberries thrive in rich, well-drained, moist soil. For optimal growth, ensure:
• pH: Moderately acidic to near neutral, ideally with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, though it can tolerate up to 6.8.
• Drainage: Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Improve drainage by adding organic matter if necessary.
• Enrichment: Enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve fertility and moisture retention.

Training
Raspberries need support due to their long, flexible canes. Use a trellis, wire or fence, which is suitable for both garden beds and large pots.

As first-year canes grow, tie them to one side of the support. These canes are primarily preparing to fruit in their second year, though Nootka may also produce a small number of berries on new growth. Once they reach 1.2–1.5 metres, tip-prune above a node to encourage lateral branching.

By the second year, these canes become woody floricanes and will bear the main crop. Tie the new season’s green canes to the opposite side to keep fruiting and non-fruiting canes organised and easy to manage in a repeating cycle.

How to Plant
• Soak the canes in a bucket of water for up to an hour before planting to rehydrate the roots and help them establish more easily.
• Dig a hole large enough to allow the roots to spread out comfortably. Position the cane so the crown is just below soil level, no more than a few centimetres deep.
• Space plants about 40–60 cm apart within the row to allow them to form a productive hedgerow while maintaining airflow. Leave 1.5 metres between rows to ensure easy access for maintenance and harvesting.
• Fill the hole with soil and firm it in gently. Water thoroughly and apply mulch around the base, avoiding direct contact with 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
Raspberry ‘Nootka’ fruits on both second-year canes, known as floricanes, and occasionally on first-year canes, known as primocanes. If any fruit appears on primocanes, it can be harvested, but just be sure to leave the canes intact for next season’s main crop. After the main summer crop, cut back all fruited floricanes as they won’t fruit again. Keep the 6–8 strongest primocanes and tie them to one side of the support. As these canes grow and reach 1.2–1.5 metres, tip-prune just above a node to encourage branching and improve yield for the upcoming harvest.

Care and Maintenance
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during spring and summer when plants are actively growing. Always water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, and ensure the soil drains freely to prevent root rot.
• Feeding: In early spring, apply a complete fertiliser such as fish emulsion, blood and bone, compost, or well-rotted manure to support strong growth. A light summer feed with a high-potassium fertiliser like tomato food or sulphate of potash can help encourage fruiting and support primocane development, particularly in pots. No feeding is needed in autumn. In winter, apply compost and mulch to nourish the soil and protect the roots from temperature extremes.

Harvesting
Raspberry Nootka produces its main crop in summer, typically ripening from late November to late January, depending on the climate. A smaller second crop may also appear in autumn on new-season growth. Pick when berries are fully coloured, plump, and come away easily from the cane. Harvest every few days in the cool of the morning for the best quality. With firm fruit and excellent texture, ‘Nootka’ is ideal for freezing as well as fresh use.

Pests and Diseases
Common pests include aphids, spider mites, fruit flies, and birds. Control with insecticidal soap, netting, and prompt harvesting. Diseases such as Botrytis and rust can appear in humid conditions. Ensure good airflow and remove infected material.

Safety
Raspberry fruit is edible, but other parts of the plant, such as leaves, roots, and canes, should not be consumed. Although considered near thornless, the canes may still produce small thorns, so it’s best to handle them with care and supervise children and pets around plants.

Supplied as bare-rooted canes.

Additional information

Price Code

E – Green Pack
Botanical Name

Rubus idaeus
Quantity in Pack

2 Canes
Harvest Time

The main crop appears in summer, with fruit typically ripening from late November to late January, depending on climate. A smaller second crop may also develop in autumn on new season growth.
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 point where the roots meet the base of the canes, often slightly swollen and marked with small 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. To prevent root rot, avoid waterlogged conditions by ensuring good drainage. A moderately acidic to near-neutral pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal, though the plant can tolerate levels up to 6.8. Improve fertility, structure, and moisture retention by incorporating well-rotted compost or aged manure.

Avoid planting in heavy clay unless the soil has been improved with organic matter to enhance drainage.
In sandy soils, mix in generous amounts of compost, aged manure, or coco peat to help retain moisture and nutrients, and consider applying a mulch to reduce drying out.

Well-prepared soil encourages strong root development and vigorous cane growth, supporting productive harvests.

When growing in pots, use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix enriched with compost or organic matter to support healthy root development and consistent growth.
How to Plant

Choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with extreme heat, some afternoon shade can help reduce plant stress, particularly in exposed locations. However, avoid planting in areas with too much shade, as this can reduce fruit production and lead to weak, leggy growth. Good airflow is also 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, you can soak the roots in clean water for up to an hour to rehydrate them, especially if they appear dry or shrivelled. This step is optional but can support quicker establishment. Avoid leaving roots exposed to the air for extended periods, as this can lead to drying and poor performance.

Dig a hole wide and deep enough to comfortably spread the roots. Position the plant so the roots sit about 10 cm deep, with the crown just below the soil surface, no more than a few centimetres. This promotes strong root growth for better establishment and drought resilience, but avoid planting too deeply, as this can lead to cane rot or poor growth.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart within rows, with 1.5 metres between rows to allow for airflow and ease of maintenance.

Backfill the hole with the original soil or a mix of soil and compost, then gently firm the soil around the roots to remove air pockets.

If your soil is slow-draining, create a small mound at the base of the hole and spread the roots over it to improve drainage and prevent pooling. Alternatively, plant in raised beds to further enhance drainage.

Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

In areas with drier conditions or low humidity, improve water retention by mixing in organic matter like compost or coco peat at planting and applying mulch to help keep the soil cool and moist.

Finish by applying a generous layer of mulch, such as straw, sugarcane, or compost, around the base of the plant. Keep mulch a few centimetres clear of the crown to prevent rot.

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.
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 in spring and summer. Inconsistent or insufficient watering can lead to small, dry, or misshapen berries and may reduce overall yield. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases. Use a watering can, hose, or drip irrigation system 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

Apply a complete fertiliser in spring to support new growth. This will provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for strong growth and healthy development.

In summer, use a high-potassium fertiliser to support berry production. This helps produce larger, healthier fruit. Apply as per the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overfeeding.

After the fruiting season ends, stop fertilising. The plant enters dormancy and won’t require nutrients during this period. Instead, add a layer of compost and mulch such as straw, sugarcane, or lucerne around the base of the plant. Compost will provide nutrients as it decomposes, while mulch will protect the root system, retain moisture, and prepare the plant for the next growing season.

In following years, apply a complete fertiliser each spring to support healthy growth and fruiting. Even when compost or manure is added in winter, a spring feed helps maintain plant vigour and optimise yields.
Pruning

Unlike most summer-bearing raspberries, Raspberry ‘Nootka’ is known to produce fruit on both second-year canes, called floricanes, and, unusually, on some new first-year canes, known as primocanes. Despite this, it is best pruned using the standard method for summer-bearing raspberries: removing second-year canes after fruiting and preserving the current season’s new growth for next year’s crop.

Occasionally, strong primocanes may begin to produce a small amount of fruit during their first season. These berries can be harvested and enjoyed without affecting the following year’s yield, provided the cane itself is left in place. Primocanes that have fruited should never be removed at the end of their first season, as they are still required to produce the main crop the following summer.

Pruning is often carried out in winter, once the canes have dropped their leaves. This timing can make it easier to distinguish between spent floricanes and new primocanes. Floricanes will appear woody, grey-brown, and brittle, while primocanes remain more flexible, with smoother skin and green to reddish colouring. Winter pruning also allows time to assess the plant’s structure before new growth begins, particularly in cooler climates.

Alternatively, floricanes can be pruned once the summer harvest has finished. Pruning at this stage opens up space and light for the developing primocanes, helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases overwintering in spent canes, and encourages the plant to focus its energy on new cane and root development. Whether pruning is done after harvest or in winter, either timing is suitable and will not affect next year’s yield.

At the time of pruning, thin the primocanes to the 6–8 strongest canes per plant and tie them neatly to one side of your support structure to improve airflow and access. As primocanes grow through spring, tip-prune them when they reach approximately 1.2–1.5 metres tall, just above a node. This encourages lateral branching, giving enough time for side shoots to develop and boosting fruit production ready for the upcoming harvest.
Harvest

Raspberry ‘Nootka’ produces its main crop in summer, typically ripening from late November to late January, depending on your local climate. In warmer regions, fruit may appear slightly earlier, while in cooler areas, the harvest period may start a little later. A smaller second crop may also develop in autumn on new season growth, offering an extended picking window in favourable conditions.

Berries are ready to harvest when they are fully coloured, evenly plump, and detach easily from the cane without pulling or resistance. Ripe raspberries do not continue to ripen after picking, so avoid harvesting too early. For best flavour and shelf life, harvest every few days during peak season, preferably in the cool of the morning, when fruit is firm and less likely to bruise.

‘Nootka’ is known for its excellent fruit-holding ability, meaning berries stay firm and intact longer on the plant compared to many other varieties. With their firm texture and well-balanced sweet flavour, these berries are perfect for eating fresh, using in desserts, or preserving. They also freeze exceptionally well, maintaining their shape and flavour for year-round use.
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