These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
Minimum of 3 plants per order.
Key Characteristics of Encore Red Raspberry:
Origin: 'Encore' is a summer-bearing red raspberry cultivar (Rubus idaeus) developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, and released in 1999. It was bred for its very late ripening period, extending the fresh red raspberry season. It is the result of a cross between 'NY 825' and 'NY 776'.
Patent Status: 'Encore' Red Raspberry was protected by U.S. Plant Patent PP11,776 until it expired 2018-10-06.
Berry Production: Produces medium to large-sized, bright red, firm berries with a good, sweet-tart flavor. It is known for its good yields, although they may not be as heavy as some earlier-ripening varieties. The berries hold up well after picking and have good post-harvest quality.
Ripening Time: 'Encore' is a very late-ripening summer-bearing red raspberry. It typically begins to ripen several weeks after the main summer crop of other varieties has finished, often starting in late July or early August and extending into September in many regions. This late ripening is its primary distinguishing characteristic.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Encore' is a vigorous, upright-growing shrub with thorny canes that typically reach a height of 4 to 6 feet. It produces a moderate number of suckers and has strong canes that generally benefit from support such as a trellis or wires, especially when bearing fruit.
Flowers: Produces clusters of small, white, rose-like flowers in the spring on the previous year's canes (floricanes). These flowers attract pollinators.
Hardiness: 'Encore' is reported to have good winter hardiness, generally adapted to USDA Zones 4 through 8.
Pollination: 'Encore' is self-fertile and will produce fruit without the need for another raspberry variety for pollination. However, planting multiple raspberry plants can still enhance overall yield and potentially extend the harvest season further if different ripening times are considered.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production, flavor, and disease resistance.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5). Good drainage is essential to prevent root problems.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Regular watering is important, particularly during dry periods.
Pruning: Requires annual pruning. After the summer harvest, the floricanes (canes that produced fruit) should be cut back to ground level and removed. New primocanes (first-year canes) that will produce fruit the following year should be thinned to about 4-6 strong canes per linear foot of row and supported by a trellis.
Uses: The flavorful and firm berries are ideal for:
Fresh eating, especially for extending the home garden raspberry season.
Jams, jellies, and preserves.
Freezing.
Pies, desserts, and baking.
Local market sales due to its late availability.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: Raspberry plants can offer some visual interest with their foliage and fruit, especially when grown in well-maintained rows or along a trellis.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Encore' is reported to have good resistance to several common raspberry diseases, contributing to its reliability.
ENCORE RED RASPBERRY (PATENT # 11746) Nice compliment for a large late season fruit, quality and flavor are very good. Vigorous plant that is almost spineless, with winter hardiness rating good. This variety will bridge the gap between early June bearing and the early type Fall bearing varieties. Hardiness Zones 4b-8b.
