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Raspberry (Heritage) is the benchmark fall-bearing red raspberry, developed at Cornell University in 1969 and still the most widely planted everbearing variety in North America more than 50 years later. What makes Heritage exceptional is its dual-season productivity: in late summer (August–September), new-growth primocanes produce a large, main crop of medium-sized, firm, bright-red berries with classic raspberry flavor; the following summer, these same canes (now floricanes) produce a smaller but still valuable summer crop in June–July. Heritage berries are firm enough to ship well and freeze beautifully, holding their shape and color after thawing — a quality that distinguishes it from softer, summer-only varieties. The canes are vigorous and self-supporting once established, rarely needing staking.
Plant Heritage raspberries in a well-drained site with at least 6 hours of sun; raspberries will grow in partial shade but produce significantly fewer and smaller fruits. Set bare-root canes in early spring or container plants through the growing season, spacing 2–3 feet apart in rows 8–10 feet apart. Install a trellis or fence system with two parallel wires at 3 and 5 feet height before planting — trying to add support to established canes is difficult and damaging. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots; thereafter, water deeply during dry periods, particularly when fruits are sizing up. Apply 3–4 inches of straw mulch between plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture. The pruning system for Heritage everbearers: after the fall harvest, cut all canes completely to the ground in late winter. This eliminates the summer crop but produces a dramatically heavier fall crop — most home gardeners prefer this "single crop" approach for simplicity. Alternatively, cut only the top 12 inches (the fruited portion) of fall canes and allow the lower portion to produce a summer crop. Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring when new growth begins.
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