You've heard of miniature vegetables, but imagine a raspberry that stands only 6 to 8 inches tall and produces fruit the size and quality of regular brambles. From a breeding program in Sweden comes "ground cover" raspberry; the result of crossing two low-growing Arctic raspberry species (Rubus articus and R. stellatus). The thorn-free plants spread by underground rhizomes but aren't invasive, and they are hardy in zones 2 through 8.
In zone 5, each plant produces up to 25 tart-tasting fruits in August. As with other brambles, it takes two years to produce but then yields consistently. The foliage turns bright burgundy in fall, and plants survive the winter best with a cover of snow or bark. They make an attractive border or can be used on banks for erosion control. Space plants 3 feet apart.
In zones 5 and warmer, order now for fall planting. In colder areas, wait until spring to plant. Ground Cover raspberry costs about $13 for 6 plants.
Charlie Nardozzi is an award winning, nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality. He has worked for more than 30 years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, talks, tours, on-line, and the printed page. Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. He's the author of 6 books, has three radio shows in New England and a TV show. He leads Garden Tours around the world and consults with organizations and companies about gardening programs. See more about him at Gardening With Charlie.
Victory Seed Company has all the seeds you want for your best garden in 2024.
For 25 years, the family-owned Victory Seed Company has provided the highest quality vegetable, herb and flower seeds to families across the country. We are passionate about providing you the best seeds available that give excellent germination, robust plants, and the harvest you want. With a catalog of over a thousand varieties, we have everything, and our prices are the kinds that we'd want to pay. We have hundreds of yesterday's heirloom vegetables, as well as today's award winning hybrid selections. Get to know us by visiting our website and browsing through our online vegetable seed catalog.
