Black raspberry: when and how to prune

Black raspberry: when to prune it?

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Three moments: in June pinch out the young shoots, in July–August cut out the canes that have fruited, and in February–March shorten the side shoots.

What else to prune in those months? February · March · June · July · August

Black raspberry: how to prune it?

1. In June, pinch the tips of the young shoots at about 60 cm: they branch and become sturdier.
2. After harvest (July–August), cut the canes that bore fruit down to the ground; they die anyway.
3. Leave 3–5 strong young canes per plant and tie them to the wires.
4. In February–March, shorten the side shoots to about 30–40 cm: this gives bigger fruits.

How much to cut, and how often?

• There are 2 pruning periods a year: February–March and June–August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
• Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in March and June–August can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Black raspberry flowers in May–June, when it attracts bees.
• If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
• In June–July birds eat the fruit: leave some on the plant or on the ground.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Blackberry
• Raspberry
• Arctic raspberry
• Japanese wineberry
• Loganberry
• Alder buckthorn

Plant profile: Black raspberry · Pruning calendar and basic rules