Prelude Raspberry Bush (Rubus idaeus ‘Prelude’)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Prefers well-ventilated areas for disease prevention

Bloom Time:

• Spring (blooms in May)
• Main fruiting in early summer (June–July)
• Light fall crop possible in September

Size:

Height: 4 to 6 feet tall
Width: 2 to 4 feet spread. Upright, sturdy growth habit.

Attributes:

• Produces medium to large, deep red berries
• Sweet, slightly tart flavor
• Very early summer harvest with a small fall crop
• Self-pollinating and productive
• Cold-hardy in USDA Zones 4–8
• Good resistance to phytophthora root rot and other common raspberry diseases

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, loamy soil with pH 6.0–6.8
• Water regularly, especially during fruit development
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer

Prune after fruiting:

• For two crops, remove spent floricanes after summer harvest
• For one large fall crop, cut all canes to the ground in late winter
• Space plants 2–3 feet apart in rows 6–8 feet apart

Pest Watch:

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