Prelude Raspberry is widely celebrated as the earliest ripening summer-bearing raspberry available, offering gardeners a delicious jump start on raspberry season. This cold-hardy variety produces sweet, medium-sized red berries in early summer and often provides a small bonus fall crop on its primocanes. Prelude’s vigorous growth, adaptability to cooler climates, and reliable early harvest make it a favorite for gardeners eager to enjoy fresh raspberries ahead of most other varieties. SHIPPING INFO: This product begins shipping in March. We will try to ship within the ideal planting window for your growing zone. Why Grow Prelude Raspberry? • One of the earliest summer-bearing raspberries available• Sweet, flavorful berries perfect for fresh eating and preserving• Cold-hardy and well suited for cooler climates• Reliable early harvest with potential small fall bonus crop• Easy to grow and self-fertile Growing Information 🌱 Plant Type: Bare root raspberry (floricane / summer-bearing with possible primocane bonus crop)🌱 Hardiness Zones: 4–8🌱 When to Plant: Early spring, as soon as soil can be worked🌱 When to Harvest: Early summer (typically June), with a possible small fall crop on primocanes Cultivation Tips • Soil requirements: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water may pool.• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes earlier ripening and higher yields, though light afternoon shade can help in hotter climates.• Watering: Water consistently, especially during establishment and dry periods. Soil should remain moist but not soggy. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.• Harvesting: Berries are ready when fully colored and release easily from the plant. Harvest every few days during peak season.• Pruning: Fruit is primarily produced on second-year canes. After summer harvest, remove spent floricanes at ground level. Thin first-year canes in late winter to improve airflow and encourage healthy growth.• Spacing: Space plants approximately 18–30 inches apart for proper airflow and cane development.• Pollination: Self-fertile—no additional plants required. Click here for a video on How to Care for Raspberries: Plants and PlugsClick here for our Raspberry Growing Guide History Prelude Raspberry was developed at Cornell University as part of a breeding program focused on cold hardiness, early ripening, and high-quality fruit. Its ability to produce an exceptionally early summer harvest—along with a potential small fall crop—quickly made Prelude a favorite among northern gardeners and growers looking to extend their raspberry season. Non-GMO Commitment: At The Farm on Central, all our plants are guaranteed non-GMO and not genetically modified in any way, upholding natural breeding methods and promoting sustainable gardening and farming practices. Growing method: Conventionally grown, due to tissue culture propagation which ensures disease-free planting stock.
