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.
Latham Red Raspberry
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Latham' is a classic red raspberry cultivar (Rubus idaeus) developed at the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station and introduced in 1918. It was a cross between 'King' and 'Pomona'. 'Latham' became one of the most widely grown red raspberry varieties for many years due to its hardiness, productivity, and good fruit quality.
Patent Status: 'Latham' was released in 1918 by a public agricultural research institution. It is **not patented** and is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces medium to large, bright red, firm berries with a good, classic raspberry flavor that is both sweet and slightly tart. It is known for its very high and reliable yields, typically producing a single, concentrated crop in the summer. The berries are suitable for fresh eating, processing, and freezing.
Ripening Time: 'Latham' is a mid-season ripening red raspberry, typically maturing in late June to July, depending on the climate. The harvest period can last for several weeks.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Latham' is a vigorous, upright-growing plant with thorny canes that typically reach a height of 4 to 6 feet. It spreads readily by suckers, forming a hedgerow if not managed. The foliage is green and typical of red raspberries.
Flowers: Produces small, white flowers in late spring or early summer on the previous year's canes (floricanes).
Hardiness: 'Latham' is exceptionally cold hardy, generally adapted to USDA Zones 3 through 8, making it a popular choice in regions with cold winters.
Pollination: 'Latham' is self-pollinating and does not require another raspberry variety for fruit set. However, having other raspberry varieties nearby can sometimes improve overall pollination and yield.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root diseases. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-6.5).
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Regular watering is important, particularly during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit.
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) should be thinned in late winter or early spring to about 4-6 strong canes per linear foot of row and can be tipped (cut back slightly) to encourage lateral branching.
Uses: The flavorful berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Jams, jellies, and preserves
Freezing
Baking and desserts
Making juice.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: While primarily grown for fruit, the foliage and bright red berries can add some ornamental value to the garden.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Latham' is generally considered to have good resistance to some common raspberry diseases, including mosaic virus. However, it can be susceptible to other issues like root rot in poorly drained soils.
