Autumn Bliss Everbearing Raspberry - Generous - ORG

Rubus idaeus ‘Autumn Bliss’ is a classic fall-bearing, or everbearing, red raspberry for extending the home raspberry season. The plant produces large, deep-red berries with a juicy texture and rich raspberry flavor. Enjoy them fresh from the garden or use them in desserts, preserves, pies, smoothies or the freezer. One of the biggest advantages of ‘Autumn Bliss’ is that it starts cropping relatively early among fall-bearing raspberries.

What is a fall-bearing raspberry?

Unlike traditional summer-bearing raspberries, ‘Autumn Bliss’ produces its main crop on new canes that grow during the same season. New shoots emerge in spring, grow through summer and then flower and produce raspberries from late summer into fall. Harvest timing varies considerably with climate. In cooler regions, picking generally starts later, while warmer growing areas may see ripe fruit considerably earlier. The summer flowers are also visited by bees and other pollinators.

Where should you plant Autumn Bliss raspberry?

Choose a sunny, sheltered location for the best crop and flavor. Partial shade is tolerated, but more sun generally helps the berries ripen well. Raspberries prefer fertile, humus-rich soil that holds moisture without remaining waterlogged. Consistent moisture is particularly useful while the fruit is developing. ‘Autumn Bliss’ generally grows about 4 to 6 feet tall. The canes are relatively upright, although simple wire or trellis support can help keep heavily laden plants organized. Your organically grown ‘Autumn Bliss’ raspberry is supplied in our Royaal container (P15), giving it a strong start for continued growth after planting.

Does Autumn Bliss need another raspberry for pollination?

No. Raspberries are self-fertile, so one ‘Autumn Bliss’ plant can produce fruit on its own. Planting several plants will, of course, provide a larger overall harvest. Combining a fall-bearing raspberry with a summer-bearing cultivar is also a great way to enjoy homegrown raspberries over a much longer season.

How do you prune Autumn Bliss raspberry?

This is where fall-bearing raspberries are particularly convenient. For one reliable fall crop, cut all canes down to ground level in late winter, before new spring growth begins. Fresh shoots emerge from the base in spring. Those same shoots will grow, flower and produce your next fall crop. If the patch becomes overcrowded, thin some weaker shoots in late spring or early summer to improve air movement and give the strongest canes more room. There is no need to identify which canes fruited last year. Simply cut everything down each winter and let the plant start fresh.