Description
‘Nantahala’ is a primocane-fruiting red raspberry that carries its main crop late summer into fall on current-season canes. Berries are attractive, uniform, and noted for good flavor and modest seediness in university panels. In warm summers, the later timing helps avoid peak heat during early fruit set.
Growing Info
- System: For the simplest management and a heavy fall crop, mow all canes to the ground in late winter; the new primocanes will bear in late season the same year.
- Site: Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil with steady moisture; mulch to keep roots cool.
- Support: Narrow trellis or stakes improve airflow and harvest quality.
Technical Specs
| Species | Rubus idaeus (red raspberry) |
|---|---|
| Cultivar | Nantahala |
| Type / Habit | Primocane (fall-bearing) red raspberry |
| Ripening window | Late summer into fall on current-season canes; optional small spring flush on overwintered canes |
| Bearing | Primocane; simplest system is mow-to-ground in late winter for a single fall crop |
| Hardiness (USDA) | Zones 5–8 (best in cooler summer sites or with afternoon shade) |
| Sunlight | Full sun; provide afternoon shade in hot microclimates |
| Soil / pH | Fertile, well-drained; pH 5.8–6.5; mulch to cool roots |
| Water | Steady moisture; shallow-rooted—avoid drought swings |
| Spacing | 2–3 ft in-row; 8–10 ft between rows |
| Trellis | Light trellis or stakes to keep canes upright and airy |
| Pollination | Self-fertile |
| Height x spread (managed) | Canes 4–5 ft; row width 1.5–2.5 ft |
| Pruning | Primocane system: mow all canes in late winter; Floricane+primocane system: thin after summer crop |
| Disease / pests (notes) | Watch for cane diseases; good airflow reduces issues; SWD pressure rises in late season |
| Primary uses | Fresh eating, jam, freezing |
Shipping & Guarantee
Ships Mon–Wed with heat-aware holds. 14-day establishment guarantee.