As a gardening enthusiast, buying new plants can be addictive. But what’s even more rewarding? Growing your own! In this blog, you’ll learn how to propagate raspberries step by step, based on our experience.
When is the best time to take raspberry cuttings?
Propagating raspberries is simple and can be done in both spring and autumn. In spring, the plant naturally produces growth hormones, increasing the chance of successful root formation. In autumn, you can take cuttings and let them develop in propagation trays, so they are strong enough to plant out in spring.
Which raspberry canes are best for propagation?
Choose a healthy plant with strong characteristics and take cuttings from one-year-old canes—these grew during the previous summer and have the best rooting potential.
Key tips for taking cuttings:
- Do not cut them too short! Ensure that about one-third of the cane is buried in the soil.
- The ideal cutting length is about 30 cm (12 inches).
- Keep a few buds (growth nodes) visible above the soil. In autumn, they appear as small buds, while in spring, they look like green bumps or tiny emerging leaves.
Best propagation trays and soil for raspberry cuttings
Creating the right environment is key to successful propagation. Deep propagation trays, like the ones we offer at The Farm Dream, are perfect for raspberry cuttings. Their deep cells allow the cuttings to develop strong roots.
Which propagation trays to use?
- The deep 28-cell tray (as shown in the photo) is ideal for raspberry propagation.
- If unavailable, the deep 40-cell propagation tray is another great option.
The right soil mix for strong root development
One common reason cuttings fail is rotting due to overly wet soil. You can prevent this by using the right soil mixture:
✔️ Seed starter mix provides a good base.
✔️ Perlite (lightweight, porous stones) mixed with compost keeps the soil aerated, preventing rot.
Want to give your raspberry cuttings the best start? Use a seed starter mix or compost with perlite in a deep propagation tray to ensure optimal root development.