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.
Heritage Everbearing Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus 'Heritage')
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Heritage' is a very popular everbearing (primocane-fruiting) red raspberry cultivar that originated from a cross made in 1968 at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva. It is the result of a cross between 'Milton' and 'Cuthbert'. It was introduced in 1969.
Patent Status: 'Heritage' Red Raspberry is not patented. As an older cultivar introduced in 1969, its patent protection has long since expired. Therefore, there are no restrictions on its asexual reproduction, propagation, or sale based on patent law.
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, firm, bright red berries with a good, classic raspberry flavor. The berries are generally round to slightly conical in shape and are known for their good quality and productivity. It is a reliable and high-yielding variety.
Ripening Time: As an everbearing variety, 'Heritage' produces a late summer/fall crop on the primocanes, typically ripening mid-season, usually starting in August and continuing until frost. In some regions, it also produces an earlier, smaller crop on the floricanes in early summer.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Heritage' is a vigorous, upright plant with strong canes that typically grow to a moderate height (around 3-5 feet when pruned for primocane fruiting). It is generally considered to have good cane strength and may require minimal support.
Flowers: Produces typical white raspberry flowers in the spring and summer on both primocanes and floricanes. It is self-pollinating.
Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8. It is known for its good adaptability to a wide range of climates.
Pollination: 'Heritage' is self-fertile and does not require a pollinator to set fruit.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Watering: Requires regular and consistent moisture, especially during the growing and fruiting seasons.
Fertilizing: Benefits from appropriate fertilization in early spring and again after the first flush of primocane fruit.
Pruning: For primocane fruiting (the most common method for 'Heritage'), cut all canes back to the ground in late winter or early spring. For a potential floricane crop, leave some of the stronger canes after they have fruited in the fall, and these will produce a summer crop. Remove these floricanes after they fruit. Thin primocanes as needed.
Uses: The berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating due to their good flavor.
Freezing well for later use.
Making jams, jellies, and preserves.
Baking and desserts.
Home gardens and commercial production.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds.
Ornamental Value: The upright growth habit and red berries can add visual interest to the garden.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Heritage' is generally considered to have good disease resistance, particularly to some of the common raspberry diseases. However, it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases depending on local conditions. Monitoring is recommended.
