Raspberry 'Tulameen'
Overview
Raspberry 'Tulameen' is a premium summer-fruiting variety that has earned its place as one of the most beloved raspberries amongst home gardeners. Originating from British Columbia, Canada, this exceptional cultivar produces large, flavourful berries that are perfect for fresh eating, preserving, and baking. Its reliable cropping and excellent disease resistance make it an ideal choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
Key Features
This outstanding variety produces exceptionally large, conical berries with a beautiful bright red colour. The fruits are renowned for their sweet, aromatic flavour with just the right balance of tartness. 'Tulameen' bears fruit on floricanes (last year's canes) in midsummer, typically from July onwards, providing a generous harvest over several weeks.
The plants grow vigorously, reaching heights of 1.5-2 metres, and produce sturdy canes that benefit from support. Once established, 'Tulameen' is notably hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°C, making it suitable for growing throughout the UK and similar climates.
Growing Requirements
- Position: Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for the best yields. 'Tulameen' will tolerate partial shade but fruiting may be reduced.
- Soil: This variety thrives in well-drained, moisture-retentive soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-6.5). Enrich the planting area with plenty of well-rotted compost or manure before planting.
- Spacing: Plant canes 45-60cm apart in rows, with 1.8 metres between rows if planting multiple lines.
- Support: Erect a post and wire support system, with wires at 75cm, 1m, and 1.5m heights. Tie canes to the wires as they grow to prevent wind damage and keep fruits off the ground.
Planting and Care
Plant bare-root canes between November and March, or container-grown plants at any time when the soil is workable. Set plants at the same depth they were growing previously, spreading roots well. Cut canes back to 25cm after planting to encourage strong new growth.
Water regularly during the growing season, particularly when fruits are developing. Apply a generous mulch of well-rotted compost or manure each spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring and again after harvesting.
Pruning
Pruning 'Tulameen' is straightforward. After harvesting finishes in late summer, cut all fruited canes down to ground level. Tie in the new green canes that will fruit the following year, selecting the strongest 6-8 canes per plant and removing weaker growth. This maintains good air circulation and reduces disease pressure.
Harvesting and Yield
Expect your first modest crop in the second summer after planting, with full production from the third year onwards. A mature, well-tended plant can yield 1-2kg of berries per season. Pick fruits when fully coloured and easily detach from the plug. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season, preferably in dry conditions during morning or evening.
The berries are excellent for fresh consumption and freeze beautifully. They also make superb jam, with their firm texture holding up well during cooking.
Pest and Disease Resistance
'Tulameen' shows good resistance to common raspberry diseases, including root rot. However, maintain vigilance for raspberry beetle, aphids, and birds. Net plants as fruits ripen to protect from bird damage. The variety's vigour helps it recover well from any pest damage.
Why Choose 'Tulameen'?
This variety offers the perfect combination of exceptional fruit quality, reliable cropping, and ease of cultivation. The large, flavoursome berries consistently outperform many other varieties in taste trials, whilst the plant's hardy nature and disease resistance reduce the need for intervention. Whether you're growing your first raspberry canes or adding to an established fruit garden, 'Tulameen' delivers abundant, delicious harvests year after year.
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£11.99 |