When to plant raspberries in The Dalles, OR

Plant raspberry canes in The Dalles Apr 1 – May 13.

Moderate Plant bare-root canes

Why these dates

The Dalles's typical last spring frost is April 11. As a hardy perennial, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

Difficulty: Moderate
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 2 to 3 feet apart in rows
Planting depth: Roots covered by 2 to 3 inches of soil
Frost: Hardy perennial; comes back every year
First harvest: Light crop in year two (fall-bearers can fruit the first fall)

Step by step

Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant raspberry canes Apr 1 – May 13, 2 to 3 feet apart in rows. Roots covered by 2 to 3 inches of soil.
Set up a simple trellis with posts and wire. After harvest, cut spent canes to the ground.
Harvest: Pick when berries slip easily off the core. Check every two or three days in season.

Varieties that do well here

Meeker (a Northwest favorite)
Tulameen
Heritage (fall-bearing)
Cascade Delight

Watch out for

Root rot in soggy soil. Plant in a raised row or a bed that drains well.

Need well-drained soil; they die in soggy ground. A raised row helps in wet Northwest winters. West of the Cascades, fall planting works well too.

Common questions

When is the last frost in The Dalles, OR?

Typically April 11. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 28. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for The Dalles Municipal Airport (Dallesport, WA).

Is it too late to plant raspberries in The Dalles?

The spring planting window runs through May 13. Potted plants can still go in later if you water them faithfully through their first summer.

How long until I can pick raspberries?

Light crop in year two (fall-bearers can fruit the first fall). Pick when berries slip easily off the core. Check every two or three days in season.