Raspberry Blissy or Autumn Bliss (Everbearing) - Rubus ideaus

Hardy, robust and vigorous, the Raspberry 'Blissy' or 'Autumn Bliss' is a variety that abundantly produces large, cone-shaped, highly fragrant, dark red fruits. This everbearing variety bears fruit from July until the first frost. The Rubus idaeus 'Blissy' or 'Autumn Bliss' fruits have a sweet and juicy flavour. Delicious when fresh, they can also be enjoyed in jam, sorbet or pastries. Planting is recommended in autumn or spring for cold or wet winter regions. 

The Raspberry, native to Europe and temperate Asia, belongs to the Rosaceae family, and it is like strawberries, blackberries, and wild roses. In its native habitat, it grows in cool, wooded areas associated with plants such as mountain ash, elderberry or beech, with which it forms a symbiotic relationship.

Originally from England, Rubus idaeus Blissy is an early variety among everbearing raspberry varieties, with its early fruiting in early July. Its moderate suckering makes it suitable for small gardens. Whether planted in the vegetable garden orchard or used as a focal point in the ornamental garden, this raspberry variety is special to other small fruit varieties. 

Optimal production begins in the third year after planting. A raspberry plant's lifespan is about ten years. Two categories of raspberries are distinguished: everbearing varieties that produce from July to August until the first frost and non-remontant varieties that have a bountiful harvest around June-July.

The Raspberry is a deciduous shrub with upright stems, forming a bush about 1.50 m (5ft) in all directions over time. It grows as a perennial stump with suckering. The canes are biennial, each one dying after fruiting. Every year, new canes armed with small thorns emerge from the roots. The Raspberry has green leaves on the upper side, white-green and downy on the underside. The flowers are highly attractive to bees. The white flowers are small (1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in) in diameter), grouped in small clusters of 10 to 12, and appear in April-May. The fruits are formed by small clustered drupes that are easy to detach when ripe.

Rubus idaeus Blissy abundantly bears fruit from July until the first frost, offering the advantage of a staggered harvest for numerous uses. The raspberry is a delicate fruit that should be carefully picked. It can be lightly rinsed with water and stored in the refrigerator for better preservation. Picking is simple, and it is very enjoyable to either taste the fruits on site or pick them for various culinary uses: sorbets, coulis, jams, tiramisu, crumbles, puddings, etc., not to mention the traditional Raspberry Tart. Raspberries are a health asset; they are low in calories but rich in minerals, vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants.