‘Ottawa’ Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) – Hardy soft fruit – 15 cm pot – 50 cm tall – Pack of 2

The 'Ottawa' raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is ideally planted in autumn, from October to November, when the soil is still warm: the roots establish themselves before the cold weather, and the growth in spring is spectacular. It can also be planted in spring, from March to April, provided it is watered regularly until the plant is established. Avoid periods of intense frost or waterlogged soil, which hinder root establishment. Plants delivered in 15 cm pots, such as those from Plant and Stories, are more versatile and can be planted as soon as weather conditions allow.

The yield of an 'Ottawa' raspberry (Rubus idaeus) depends directly on sunlight, soil quality, and pruning practices. A well-established plant in full sun, in cool, enriched soil, can produce several hundred grams of fruit per productive cane each summer. Summer varieties like 'Ottawa' concentrate their fruiting over a 3 to 5-week period in July-August. By planting a batch of 2 plants in good conditions, you will quickly have a satisfying family yield for fresh consumption, jams, or freezing.

Yes, the Ottawa 'raspberry' can be grown in a container on a sunny balcony or terrace, provided you choose a pot of 'at least 30 to 40 litres and 'water and feed it regularly with fruit fertiliser. The growing medium should be well-draining and rich: a mixture of multipurpose compost, fruit compost and perlite works very well. In a pot, 'watering must be more frequent than 'in the ground, especially during the summer heat and fruit formation. Install a stake or light support to guide the canes and prevent 'them from 'sagging under the weight of the fruit.

The red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) produces long, flexible stems called canes, which tend to droop under the weight of the fruit and the force of the wind. It is strongly recommended to guide them on a support: a wire stretched between two stakes, a trellis, or simply small bamboo stakes are sufficient for 15 cm potted plants. In the ground, installing a support system with two or three wires between sturdy posts ensures neat cane management and makes harvesting easier. Good staking also improves foliage aeration and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.

Pruning the 'Ottawa' raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is straightforward but essential for maintaining good productivity. At the end of winter, between February and March, cut all canes that produced fruit the previous summer down to ground level: they will not bear fruit again and unnecessarily deplete the plant. Keep the young canes from the current year (the straightest and most vigorous), shortening them if necessary above a well-formed bud to encourage branching.

Yes, the 'Ottawa' raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is an excellent nectar-producing plant. Its small white flowers, which bloom in late spring (May-June), are rich in nectar and pollen, and actively attract honeybees, bumblebees, and many beneficial insects. This cross-pollination is also beneficial to the plant itself: the more the flowers are visited, the better the fruit set, and the fleshier and more uniform the fruit.

The raspberries of the Ottawa 'Raspberry' are ready to harvest as soon as 'they pull away easily from their receptacle, a sign of 'optimal ripeness. Very delicate, they only keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, spread in a single layer on a tray. For long-term storage, freezing is ideal: arrange the fruit in a single layer on a tray in the freezer for 2 hours, then transfer them to a bag to prevent them from 'clumping. Ottawa 'raspberries 'Ottawa' are also suitable for jams, coulis, sorbets, and pastries.