Column fruit trees are having a major moment right now, and it’s easy to see why! They’re a total game-changer for gardeners with limited space who still want to grow their own fresh snacks. However, when it comes to column raspberries, pruning works a little differently than it does for apples or pears. Here’s the scoop on how to keep yours thriving.
The Unique Way Raspberries Grow
Training a raspberry into a column shape is a bit of a special project. With fruit like cherries or pears, it’s pretty straightforward: consistent pruning helps the plant develop a thick main trunk and a sturdy rootstock, resulting in a slim little tree that pumps out tons of fruit.
Raspberries, however, play by their own rules. They grow in “canes,” meaning the plant is constantly sending up new shoots while the old ones phase out. In fact, a raspberry plant basically replaces itself every two years! Because of this, you can’t really grow a permanent “main trunk.” Instead, you create that sleek column look using a vertical trellis. You simply guide the new canes upward into that pillar shape and clear out the old ones as they finish up.
How to Train Your Raspberry Column
The cool thing is that almost any raspberry variety can be trained into a column. All you need to do is secure the new canes to your support structure as they grow. You can use:
- Garden wire,
- Soft twine (like raffia),
- Or handy plant clips.
To keep that slim silhouette, take a sharp pair of shears and trim back any side branches that try to poke out of your column shape. Doing this about twice a year should do the trick. Just remember: your raspberry needs a sunny spot to really shine. If you plant it in the shade, you’ll end up with way less fruit to harvest.
Why Go Vertical?
Left to their own devices, raspberries can get pretty wild and bushy, taking up a lot of real estate in the garden. Keeping them slim and upright isn’t just about saving space, though—it’s actually great for the plant’s health! Better airflow through the canes helps prevent pests and diseases because the leaves dry off much faster after a rain.
Sunlight is another big factor. In a column shape, the sun can reach every part of the plant, ensuring all your berries ripen beautifully. Plus, it makes picking a breeze since the fruit is right there in front of you, not hidden in a tangled thicket. And let’s be honest—they look fantastic! It’s the perfect solution for growing raspberries on a balcony or small patio.
