Boyne Raspberry

Overview

• Botanical Name: Rubus idaeus ‘Boyne’ (summer‑bearing red raspberry) 

• Common Name: Boyne Raspberry

• Hardiness: Suitable for Zone 3 and up. 

• Origin: Canadian‑bred cultivar, developed for cold‑climate performance. 

• Crop Type: Summer‑bearing (produces on last year’s canes or floricanes) 

• Typical Size: About 4‑6 ft tall (120‑180 cm) and 2‑3 ft wide (60‑90 cm). 

• Fruit: Medium‑sized deep red raspberries, sweet flavoured, good fresh, for freezing/preserves. 

Site & Soil Requirements

• Sunlight: Full sun is best. While some light shade is tolerated, yield or berry size may reduce. 

• Soil: Well‑drained, moist but not waterlogged. Avoid heavy clay or shallow chalky soils. Slightly acidic to neutral is preferred (pH ~5.8–6.5) 

• Wind & Shelter: In colder prairie conditions, a sheltered site helps reduce cane desiccation/winter damage. 

Planting & Spacing

• When to plant: Early spring when soil is workable (or dormant plants). 

• Spacing: Set canes about 2‑3 ft apart in the row with additional space between rows as required. 

• Planting depth: Plant so the crown is just at or slightly below soil level. After care: water well to settle soil. 

• Support: Summer‑bearing raspberries benefit from trellising or support to keep canes upright for ease of picking and airflow. 

Care Through the Season

• Watering: During the active growth and fruiting period aim for about 1″ (2.5 cm) of water per week, more if conditions are dry. 

• Weeding & Mulch: Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep planting area free of competing weeds. 

• Fertilizing: Prior to planting incorporate organic matter. Annually, a light top‑dress of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring is helpful. 

Pruning & Winter Care

• After fruiting: Since Boyne bears on second‑year canes (floricanes), remove the canes that fruited right after the harvest to make room for next year’s growth. 

• Thinning: In early spring or late winter, thin out weak or damaged canes. Leave the strongest ~4‑5 canes per metre (or equivalent spacing). 

• Winter protection: In very exposed or windy Zone 3 sites, reduce late summer watering, avoid excessive late growth and consider mulch or snow cover to protect base of canes. 

Pests & Diseases

• Common pests: Aphids, mites, raspberry leaf & bud mite, raspberry beetle. 

• Common diseases: Cane blights, rusts, root rot in poorly drained soils. Good site selection + cane removal helps. 

• Best prevention: Good air circulation, proper spacing, remove old canes, avoid overcrowded or waterlogged beds.

Photo from Prairie Gardens