Raspberries can be propagated in several ways. The safest method is propagation through cuttings. What you need to consider if you want to grow new raspberry plants from cuttings.
How to propagate raspberries by cuttings?
To propagate raspberries through cuttings, expose the root of the mother plant in autumn, cut off a larger piece, divide it into ten centimeter pieces and plant them. In the spring, put them in their final location.
Why propagation via root cuttings is safest
Raspberries form many runners that are also suitable for propagation. However, it is not always certain that the cuttings actually come from the desired plant. Since raspberries send their runners all over the garden, you may end up with a completely different type of raspberry.
If you use root cuttings, you can be sure that you are propagating exactly the type of raspberry you want.
The individual steps for propagating raspberries
- Exposing the root of the raspberry
- Cut off a larger piece
- Divide the root into ten centimeter pieces
- Planting root cuttings
- Protect from frost
- Set in final location in spring
The best time to take root cuttings
Root cuttings are best made in autumn, when the growing season is coming to an end. The root of the mother plant can then recover over the winter.
Divide the root into small pieces
Depending on how large the root piece you cut off is, divide it into several pieces. Each section should be approximately ten centimeters long.
Make sure that there are at least five eyes on each individual root cutting. New rods grow from them. With several approaches, the certainty that a he althy new plant will be created increases.
Plant the cuttings approximately five centimeters deep in prepared soil. They arrive at their final location in spring.
Provide winter protection
Raspberries normally do not need winter protection. However, root cuttings have not yet formed roots. They can suffer frost damage at very low temperatures.
For protection, cover the ground with a layer of leaves, straw (€14.00 on Amazon), peat or bark mulch.
Mark the places where you planted the root cuttings. Removing winter protection in spring will help you better see where new plants should be.
Tips & Tricks
Basically, you can of course also propagate raspberries through seeds. However, obtaining pure seeds is very time-consuming and belongs in the hands of professionals. In addition, this type of propagation takes longer than taking root cuttings.
