Raspberry 'Polka' (Autumn fruiting)Rubus idaeus

Grow raspberry plants in a sunny position in any well drained soil. Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. Plant raspberry canes 60cm (24") apart at the same soil level as they were planted at the nursery. This is indicated by the soil mark on the stem. Firm in and water well. Canes should be pruned to 30cm (12") immediately following planting to encourage more shoots to be produced. Autumn fruiting varieties do require supports for their stems. They can also be grown in large containers of soil based compost such as John Innes no.3.

These plants are lifted from the nursery field when dormant, and sent to you in late autumn or spring for planting. They often look dead on arrival, but they are just resting in the dormant period and will establish quickly for a strong start in the garden come spring. Set out in prepared soil in holes wide enough and deep enough to lay out the roots. Tread down the planting soil to knock out air pockets. Water well to settle. Apply a mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures. If conditions prevent immediate planting, set roughly into loose soil or a pot of compost (‘heeling in’) to protect the roots. Set these at the same level as they were in the nursery field – you should see a soil line at the base of the stem. Stake trees, taller shrubs and roses to prevent root disturbance.

Water well for the first year until plants are fully established. When berries begin to develop, place a net over the plants to protect your crop from greedy birds! Prune raspberry canes to ground level in February and apply a mulch of well rotted manure or garden compost to the base of the canes. This will help to retain moisture throughout the summer.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.