Description
Fall Gold is a golden-yellow raspberry known for its exceptionally sweet, mild flavour with low acidity, often described as honey-like rather than tart. It grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter areas, and prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5.
It is a primocane (fall-bearing) variety, producing fruit on first-year canes from late summer into fall. With good care, plants can also produce a lighter early-summer crop on second-year canes if not cut back. Average yields are about 1–2 lbs per cane per season.
Fall Gold is valued for its unique color, excellent fresh-eating quality, and lower bird pressure compared to red raspberries. Regular watering, mulching, annual pruning, and good airflow help maintain healthy plants and consistent harvests.
Care Instructions
Light: Full sun. Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and fruiting.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, increasing during hot or dry periods.
Soil: Plant in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of about 5.5–6.5 is ideal.
Fertilizing: Apply compost or a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Fertilize again in early summer if needed. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Pruning: Fall Gold is everbearing. For a single large fall harvest, cut all canes to the ground in late winter or early spring. For two harvests, remove only canes that fruited after harvest and keep new canes for fall production.
Mulching: Mulch with straw, wood chips, or shredded bark to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots.
Support: Use a trellis, stakes, or wire system to keep canes upright and make harvesting easier.
Pollination: Self-fertile. Pollinated by bees and other insects. No hand pollination required.
Harvesting: Harvest from late summer through fall. Pick berries when they are fully golden and release easily from the plant. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.