Raspberry September - Rubus idaeus

The September Raspberry is a hardy, robust and vigorous variety that produces abundantly large, round-shaped fruits, very fragrant, with a tender pink colour. This perpetual variety bears fruit for the first time very early in June, then a second significant fruiting occurs from September until the first frost. Sweet, sugary and slightly acidic, the fruits are extremely tasty when consumed fresh or cooked in jam, sorbet, juice, dried fruits or pastries. It is a sucker-forming variety with prickly branches. Planting is recommended in autumn, or in spring for regions with cold or humid winters.

The Raspberry, native to Europe and temperate Asia, belongs to the Rosaceae family, like strawberries, blackberries and wild roses. In its original habitat, it grows in cool undergrowth in association with plants such as: mountain ash, elderberry or beech, with which it forms a symbiotic association. Production is optimal from the third year after planting. The lifespan of the raspberry plant is about ten years.  Rubus idaeus September is a variety of American origin that bears fruit from June until the first frost. Hardy and robust, this Raspberry with prickly branches is very productive. It is self-fertile, but production is improved when planted alongside other pollinators.

The September Raspberry is a deciduous shrub with upright stems, forming a bush about 150 cm (59in) in all directions over time. It develops as a moderately sucker-forming perennial stump. The stems or canes are biennial, each having the peculiarity of dying after fruiting. Every year, suckers emerge from its roots, new canes armed with small, slightly prickly pricks. The Raspberry has green leaves on the upper side, white-green and downy on the underside. The flowering is very melliferous. The white flowers are small (1 to 2 cm (0.5 to 1in) in diameter), grouped in small clusters of 10 to 12, and appear in April-May. The fruits are formed by small agglomerated drupes, easy to detach when ripe.

Rubus idaeus September offers the advantage of a staggered harvest for many uses. Its presence in the vegetable garden, orchard, or as a focal point in the ornamental garden places this raspberry in a prime position alongside other small fruit varieties. Raspberries are delicate fruits that need to be carefully picked, a light rinse with water is possible, and they keep better in the refrigerator. Harvesting is easy, and it is very enjoyable either to taste the fruits on the spot or to pick them for various culinary uses: sorbets, coulis, jams, tiramisu, crumble, puddings, ... not to mention the traditional Raspberry Tart. Low in calories but rich in minerals, vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants, raspberries are an asset for health.