Encore Red Raspberry Bush (Rubus idaeus ‘Encore’)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Best fruit production in sunny, well-ventilated areas

Bloom Time:

• Late spring to early summer
• Fruit ripens in late July to early August

Size:

Height: 4 to 6 feet tall
Width: 2 to 4 feet spread. Upright growth habit; may benefit from light support.

Attributes:

• Produces large, firm, sweet red berries
• Excellent for fresh eating, canning, and baking
• Nearly thornless canes for easier harvesting
• Cold-hardy (USDA Zones 4–9) and heat-tolerant
• Self-pollinating and disease-resistant, especially to root rot

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile loam soil (pH 5.5–6.8)
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells and fruiting
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer

Prune in late winter or early spring:

• Remove dead or weak canes
• For best results, prune back to 2 inches above ground after planting (bare-root only)
• Space plants 2–3 feet apart in rows 6–8 feet apart

Pest Watch:

• Monitor for aphids, cane borers, and spotted wing drosophila
• Protect fruit from birds with netting
• Maintain good airflow to reduce fungal issues