When to Plant Raspberry in Cairns, Tropical Guide

Not recommended for the Tropical zone. The window below explains why.

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 Tropical zone, which takes in Cairns, Townsville and Darwin. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Brisbane 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 Tropical

Raspberry is not recommended for Tropical.

Not suitable. Too hot.

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How to Grow Raspberry in Tropical Australia

When to Plant

Not suitable. Too hot.

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)

Tropical Growing Tips for Raspberry

Key Challenges

  • Excessive heat
  • No dormancy
  • Disease pressure extreme

Pro Tips

  • Do not attempt raspberries in tropical zones.

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 tropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Cucumber and Basil.

Supermarket Price

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

Grow your own and save on grocery bills.

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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 Tropical zone, Cairns is its reference city.