BIO Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) AUTUMN FIRST

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) 'Autumn First'

Improved primocane variety with a very early onset of the autumn harvest.

'Autumn First' is a modern, everbearing (primocane-fruiting) variety bred with a clear goal in mind – to significantly accelerate the onset of fruiting on first-year canes. While other autumn raspberries begin to ripen in late summer, 'Autumn First' delights with a sweet harvest as early as July/August and bears continuously until the first frosts. It is an exceptionally tasty and juicy variety with a compact growth habit, ideal for smaller gardens and fruiting walls.

Key Highlights:

• Early fruiting: The harvest on new canes starts very early (July/August).
• Long harvest period: Bears continuously until the autumn frosts.
• Excellent flavor: Balanced sweetness with a light, refreshing acidity.
• Compact growth: Height only 120 – 160 cm, easy maintenance.
• High disease resistance and self-fertile.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: Modern European breeding.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Upright and compact, growing to a height of 120 – 160 cm and a width of 60 – 80 cm.
• Flowering: From May to June. The small white flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
• Pollination: The variety is self-fertile, though planting multiple bushes is recommended for better pollination.

Fruit

• Size and Shape: Large, conical-shaped fruits.
• Color: Bright red to dark pink.
• Taste and Texture: Juicy, firmer flesh. The flavor is delicious, sweet with a subtle tartness and an unmistakable aroma. Rich in Vitamin C.
• Usage: Fresh consumption, freezing, jam making.

Resistance and Requirements

• Soil: Requires well-drained, humus-rich, and slightly moist soil (pH 5.5 – 6.5). Intolerant of heavy, waterlogged ground.
• Location: Full sun to partial shade. To limit diseases, an airy location is important.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Planting: Plant in 30x30 cm holes enriched with compost. Space 40–50 cm apart in rows, with 1.5–2 m between rows. Tying to stretched wires is recommended. Regular surface mulching is beneficial.
• Irrigation: Requires regular watering during dry periods, especially during flowering and fruit ripening.
• Pruning: Fruits on current year's (primocane) growth. In late winter or early spring, cut the entire plant down to just above ground level.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very long. Starts from July / August and continues steadily until the first autumn frosts (October).