Rainline Garden

When to plant raspberries in Yakima, WA

Plant raspberry canes in Yakima Apr 10 – May 22.

Moderate Plant bare-root canes

Why these dates

Yakima's typical last spring frost is May 8. As a hardy perennial, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

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

  1. Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant raspberry canes Apr 10 – May 22, 2 to 3 feet apart in rows. Roots covered by 2 to 3 inches of soil.
  3. Set up a simple trellis with posts and wire. After harvest, cut spent canes to the ground.
  4. 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 Yakima, WA?

Typically May 8. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 27. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Yakima Air Terminal.

Is it too late to plant raspberries in Yakima?

The spring planting window runs through May 22. 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.

Also plant in Yakima around the same time

Planting dates for raspberries in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Yakima · Raspberries in every city