Rubus idaeus 'Autumn Belle'® CAC

Planting Rubus idaeus ‘Autumn Belle’®

Rubus idaeus ‘Autumn Belle’® is an autumn-fruiting raspberry that produces sweet, aromatic berries on canes grown during the current season. Its late crop extends the raspberry harvest beyond many traditional summer varieties. It is self-fertile, so a single plant can produce fruit, although several plants will provide a more generous harvest. CAC indicates that the plant meets recognised standards for identity and plant health.

• Choose an open, sheltered position in full sun. Light partial shade is tolerated, but the fruit may ripen later and have a less intense flavour.
• Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Slightly acidic to neutral conditions are preferable.
• Avoid waterlogged ground, shallow chalky soil and positions that become extremely dry during summer.
• Do not plant where raspberries, blackberries or other Rubus crops have recently grown, as soil-borne pests and diseases may remain present.
• Prepare the site by removing perennial weeds thoroughly. Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into poor soil before planting.
• Install posts and horizontal wires to support the canes, particularly in exposed gardens. Autumn raspberries are often fairly upright, but fruit-laden stems may bend in wind or rain.
• Water the root ball before planting. Set the plant at the same depth at which it was previously growing, backfill carefully and firm the soil gently.
• Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart in rows, allowing about 1.5–2 metres between rows for access and airflow.
• Water thoroughly and apply a 5–8 cm organic mulch around the roots, leaving the crown uncovered.

Watering, Feeding and Harvesting

Consistent soil moisture is essential while the canes are growing and the berries are developing. Drought can result in smaller fruit, reduced yields and weak replacement growth.

• Water regularly during the first growing season. Apply water slowly and deeply so that it reaches the entire root zone.
• Increase watering during flowering, fruit swelling and prolonged dry weather. Avoid repeatedly wetting the foliage and ripening berries.
• Container-grown plants require frequent checks during summer. Use a large pot with drainage holes and never allow it to stand permanently in water.
• Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring when new shoots begin to appear. Follow the recommended rate, as excessive nitrogen encourages leafy growth rather than fruit.
• A high-potassium liquid feed can be applied during flowering and fruit development, especially to container-grown plants.
• Renew the organic mulch each spring to conserve moisture, improve the soil and suppress competing weeds.
• Remove weeds by hand because raspberry roots are shallow and may be damaged by deep hoeing.
• Protect ripening berries from birds with securely fixed netting. Check the covering regularly to ensure wildlife cannot become trapped.
• Harvest when the berries are evenly coloured, soft and easily released from their central cores. Pick every few days to prevent overripe fruit from deteriorating.
• Handle berries gently and use or refrigerate them promptly. Any soft, damaged or mouldy fruit should be removed from the plants.

Pruning and Ongoing Maintenance

‘Autumn Belle’ is a primocane raspberry, meaning it fruits on canes produced during the same year. This makes pruning straightforward and helps maintain an orderly, productive planting.

• Cut every cane down to approximately 2–5 cm above ground level in late winter, usually during February before new shoots emerge.
• Remove all pruned stems from the growing area. Do not leave old canes among the plants, as they may harbour pests and fungal spores.
• In spring, thin crowded new shoots if necessary. Retain the strongest, best-positioned canes with enough space for light and air to circulate.
• Tie tall or leaning stems loosely to their support wires. Use soft ties that will not cut into the growing canes.
• Remove weak shoots and any suckers that appear well outside the intended row. Raspberry roots can spread gradually into nearby beds.
• Inspect young growth for aphids and spider mites. Check flowers and fruit for raspberry beetle damage and remove affected berries.
• Watch for grey mould during damp weather. Improve airflow, water at soil level and harvest ripe fruit promptly.
• Remove any cane that develops dark lesions, cracking, severe wilting or dieback. Disinfect cutting tools after working on suspicious growth.
• Yellow leaves may result from drought, waterlogging, nutrient deficiency or unsuitable soil. Review the growing conditions before adding fertiliser.
• Replace or divide overcrowded plantings when yields decline significantly, usually after several productive years.
• With full sun, fertile soil, reliable moisture and complete annual pruning, Rubus ‘Autumn Belle’ will produce an accessible and rewarding crop from late summer into autumn

• Size
  C 3,4 Fruchtbengel

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via DPD Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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