Autumn Raspberries: Aroma Queen, Autumn Bliss & First

14 Mar

Posted by admin2025 0 Comment(s) 599 View(s) All , Berries

Endless Harvest from Summer to Frost: Introducing the Autumn Raspberries 'Aroma Queen', 'Autumn Bliss', and 'Autumn First'

While classic summer raspberries bring their crop in June and then give way to other fruits, primocane (so-called autumn-fruiting) raspberries change the rules of the game. Thanks to their ability to bear fruit on first-year (current season's) canes, they can continuously supply your garden with fresh fruit from late summer until the first frosts.

In this guide, we will introduce you to three top varieties from this category. Each of them excels in something different – whether it is the taste of a wild forest, an extremely long harvest period, or compact growth.

“The advantage of autumn raspberries is their radical and simple pruning. You don't need to study complex instructions. At the end of winter, you simply cut all the canes close to the ground, and in the spring, completely new canes full of flowers will grow.”

1. 'Aroma Queen': Like From a Real Forest

The 'Aroma Queen' variety is the European answer to the demand for raspberries that not only look good but also taste great. As the name suggests, its main asset is its aroma and flavor.

Taste and Growth

If you miss the true, intense taste of wild forest raspberries in modern large-fruited varieties, you will find it here. The fruits are light red and medium-sized. Another huge advantage is its upright and sturdy growth (1.5 – 1.8 m). Unlike other varieties, 'Aroma Queen' does not strictly require a support structure (trellis).

Two Harvests from One Bush

The harvest on the new canes takes place from August. If you do not cut the canes completely to the ground in spring, but only shorten them by half, you will get another, earlier crop on them in June.

2. 'Autumn Bliss': The Immortal and Proven Classic

'Autumn Bliss' is one of the most widely recognized and grown autumn raspberries worldwide. It is a variety for those who want to bet on absolute certainty and do not want to fight diseases.

Endurance and Resilience

Its harvest begins at the end of August and continues persistently throughout the autumn. The fruits are large, firm, and juicy, ideal for fresh consumption and freezing. The bush grows up to 2 meters high, so we recommend growing it with support.

Ideal for BIO Cultivation

The main asset of this variety is its phenomenal health status. It is characterized by very good resistance to fungal diseases and root infections. If you want to grow raspberries completely without chemicals, 'Autumn Bliss' will not disappoint you.

3. 'Autumn First': Improved Modern Genetics

Many growers in colder regions have one problem with autumn raspberries – the crop starts to ripen too late, and a large part of the fruit is destroyed by the first autumn frosts. The 'Autumn First' variety solves this problem.

Early Start and Compactness

This modern variety was bred with the goal of significantly accelerating the onset of fruiting on first-year canes. As a result, the harvest begins as early as July/August, guaranteeing that the entire crop has time to ripen. The fruits are large, bright red, with a refreshing mild tartness.

For Small Gardens and Pots

The bush is very upright and compact, growing only to a height of 120 – 160 cm (width 60 – 80 cm). This makes 'Autumn First' the perfect choice for small gardens, pots on the terrace, or as a compact fruit wall.

Quick Comparison: Which One to Choose?

Feature	Aroma Queen	Autumn Bliss	Autumn First
Harvest Start	Early August	Late August	July / August (Earliest)
Taste	Intense wild forest	Sweet and juicy	Sweet with mild tartness
Height	1.5 – 1.8 m	Up to 2.0 m	1.2 – 1.6 m (Compact)
Support (Trellis)	Not required	Recommended	Recommended for tying

A Common Rule for Success: Permeable Soil

All three varieties are highly frost-resistant and do not require special care. Their only, but critical, requirement is well-drained soil. Raspberries cannot tolerate long-term waterlogging (standing water), which quickly leads to rotting of the root system. When planting in heavy soil, mix in compost and create a slightly raised bed.