Very aromatic autumn raspberry - Rubus idaeus 'Autumn Chef' (organic cultivation)

Rubus idaeus 'Autumn Chef' , also known as the "Autumn Chef raspberry" or Primeberry® Autumn Chef® , is an everbearing raspberry cultivar of the Rosaceae family, developed by Lubera (Switzerland) as part of their breeding program. This variety is prized for its large, red, highly aromatic and sweet fruits, with a main harvest from August to autumn, but also for its unique ability to produce early fruit in June on last year's canes. It is ideal for small gardens, farms or containers, due to its excellent taste and high productivity.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are pinnate, composed of 3-7 leaflets, light green , with serrated edges, arranged alternately on the stems. They are 3-10 cm long, with a slightly rough texture, and form a healthy, disease-resistant foliage.
• Flowers : The flowers are small, white, with 5 petals, cup-shaped, grouped in racemes, appearing from May to July on new and old shoots. They are self-fertile, pollinated by bees and butterflies, and attract pollinators.
• Fruits : The fruits are large, conical , light red, shiny , weighing up to 5 g. They have a firm, juicy pulp, with a sweet, aromatic , slightly acidic taste, with subtle notes of vanilla. They are excellent for fresh consumption, jams, freezing or desserts. The main harvest begins in August and continues until October-November (on primocanes), with an early harvest in June on biennial stems (floricanes).

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Grows to 1.2-1.7 meters tall and 1-1.5 meters wide , with an upright habit but slightly arched under the weight of the fruit. It is compact, ideal for small spaces.
• Vigor : Moderately fast growing, with robust, reddish-brown stems, slightly spiny (small, non-aggressive spines). Produces fruit on annual (primocane) and biennial (florican) shoots.
• Type : Deciduous, evergreen shrub with superficial roots, which forms root suckers (root shoots) controllable by root barriers.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day) for abundant, sweet fruit, but tolerates partial shade , where production may be reduced. Partial shade is beneficial in hot climates.
• Soil : Requires fertile, well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-6.5), rich in organic matter. Clay soils require improved drainage; raised beds are ideal.
• Watering : Water regularly , keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In containers, water every 7-10 days, more often during dry periods.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 4-8 (down to -20°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Mulch the roots in winter in colder areas.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : Resistant to stem diseases and pests, thanks to rigorous selection. Cold-resistant, but not to deer or rabbits, which can eat the leaves. Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in March-April , followed by a fertilizer high in potassium (e.g. 5-10-20) during flowering. Excessive nitrogen fertilization reduces fruiting.
• Pruning : For autumn harvest, cut all stems 5-10 cm from the ground in February-March , stimulating new shoots. For double harvest (June and autumn), keep a few biennial stems and cut only the tops of them, removing them completely after the summer harvest. Remove unwanted shoots.
• Pests and Diseases : Rarely affected, but may attract mites or aphids. Inspect regularly and use insecticidal soap. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Propagation : Propagate by layering or root cuttings in spring.
• Support : Requires trellis or support wires, especially in autumn, when the stems bend under the weight of the fruit.

Use

Rubus idaeus 'Autumn Chef' is ideal for fruit gardens , vegetable gardens , containers or fruit hedges . Its large, sweet fruits are perfect for fresh eating, jams, juices, desserts or freezing. It combines well with other berries, such as blackberries or yellow raspberries 'Fall Gold', for diversity. Suitable for amateur gardeners or small farms, due to its easy maintenance and high yield. The fruits keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator and are excellent for freezing.

Origin

Developed by Lubera (Switzerland) as part of the Primeberry® series, 'Autumn Chef' is a modern selection, created for large fruit, superior taste and the ability to produce double crops (summer and autumn). It is considered one of the tastiest remontant dragon fruits.

Pot diameter: 13 cm
Height with pot included: approx. 35 cm

In the cold season the plants are shortened and leafless.