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.
Himbo-Top Ever Bearing Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus 'Rafzaqu')
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Himbo-Top' is an ever-bearing (primocane-fruiting) red raspberry cultivar that originated in **Switzerland**. It is the result of a cross between 'Autumn Bliss' and 'Himbo Queen'. It was introduced in 2008.
Patent Status: 'Himbo-Top' Red Raspberry is protected by **U.S. Plant Patent PP19,512**, granted on 2008-12-02, under the variety name 'Rafzaqu'. It is held by Promo Fruit Ltd until it expires on 2026-02-23. This patent restricts unauthorized asexual reproduction, including propagation, and sale of the cultivar.
Berry Production: Produces very large, firm, bright red berries that do not darken after harvest. The berries have a good, sweet flavor, are conic shaped with small, well-constructed drupelets, and are easy to pick. It is known for its very high yields.
Ripening Time: As an ever-bearing variety, 'Himbo-Top' produces a late summer/fall crop on the primocanes, typically ripening a few days later than 'Autumn Bliss'. In some regions, it may also produce a smaller, earlier crop on floricanes. The main primocane crop generally ripens from **late summer into fall**, often starting in late August or September and continuing until frost.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Himbo-Top' is a very vigorous plant with upright canes that can grow quite tall and have long fruiting laterals. It is recommended to provide trellising to support the heavy fruit load and manage the long laterals.
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**.
Pollination: 'Himbo-Top' is **self-fertile** and does not require a pollinator to set fruit.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Watering: Requires regular and consistent moisture, especially during the growing and fruiting seasons.
Fertilizing: Benefits from appropriate fertilization, but it is noted that 'Himbo-Top' is so vigorous it may require less fertilizer than other varieties.
Pruning:** For primocane fruiting, cut all canes back to the ground in late winter or early spring. For potential floricane and primocane crops, remove the floricanes after they have fruited in the summer and thin the primocanes as needed.
Uses: The berries are excellent for:Fresh eating due to their large size, good flavor, and firmness.Freezing.Making jams, jellies, and preserves.Commercial production due to its high yields and good fruit quality.Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds.Ornamental Value: While primarily grown for fruit, the vigorous growth and bright red berries can add visual interest.Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Himbo-Top' has demonstrated high tolerance to **Phytophthora root rot**. It is reported to have very good disease resistance overall. However, it may be relatively susceptible to Botrytis gray mold.
