When to Plant Raspberry in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Plant March to May. Right now in September it is out of season. The next planting month is March.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Raspberry guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Raspberry

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Suckering deciduous cane fruit. Two types: summer-bearing (fruit on previous year's canes, one crop per year) and everbearing/primocane (fruit on current year's canes, extended harvest autumn into spring). Everbearing types are increasingly popular as they simplify pruning. Raspberries prefer cool climates. They struggle in subtropical and tropical heat. Need well-drained, slightly acidic soil. In hot zones, consider growing as a winter crop.

Best Planting Window for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - P P P - - - - - - -

P = Planting window

Plant in autumn (March-May) for winter/spring cropping.

Want a nudge when it is Raspberry sowing time in Brisbane?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Subtropical zone right now, Raspberry included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

How to Grow Raspberry in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Plant in autumn (March-May) for winter/spring cropping.

Soil
Well-drained, slightly acidic, rich in organic matter. Raised beds recommended in heavy soils.
pH Range
5.5-6.5
Sunlight
Full sun in cool climates. Morning sun with afternoon shade in warm zones.

Companion plants: Tansy, Garlic, Marigold

Avoid planting near: Previous raspberry/blackberry site (disease buildup), Potato, tomato (share diseases)

Subtropical Growing Tips for Raspberry

Recommended Varieties

  • Everbearing types: Heritage, Autumn Bliss
  • Nantahala (heat tolerant)

Key Challenges

  • Summer heat above 30°C stops production
  • Short harvest window
  • Fungal disease in humidity

Pro Tips

  • Grow as a COOL SEASON crop in SEQ. Plant autumn, harvest winter-spring.
  • Everbearing varieties on current-season canes are the only realistic option.
  • Afternoon shade cloth essential.

Harvesting Raspberry

When ready: Full colour (red/gold depending on variety). Berry detaches from receptacle with gentle pull. If you have to tug, it's not ready.

How to harvest: Pick gently between thumb and forefinger. Berry should separate from white receptacle (which stays on plant). Harvest every 2-3 days.

Where to next

What raspberry costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

Supermarket Price

Current average retail: $31.56/kg (12-month range: $31.12–$36.00)

Grow your own and save on grocery bills.

Get the Full Interactive Guide

Track your garden, get real-time pest alerts, and plan around your zone's weather.

Open the planting dashboard Join Garden Buddy

Common Questions About Raspberry

When do you plant raspberry in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.