Raspberries come in different colours because they are different varieties. The colours of raspberries are:
- Red
- Black
- Pink
- Yellow
- Purple
In this article you’ll learn:
- About different raspberry varieties and their colours
- How to care for your raspberries
- Raspberries in the wild
Are there different colours of raspberries?
Yes there are 5 different colours of raspberries. The most common is red, yellow is popular, then there are also black, purple and pink raspberries. Each variety has differing amounts and types of colour pigment cells (called anthocyanins) in them which creates the colour of the fruit.
Red Raspberries
Red raspberries are the most common and widely available. They tend to be firm berries that store well, which is why they can be found in supermarkets and markets.
Some popular cultivars of red raspberry include Autumn Bliss, Glen Prosen and Glen Ample.
Many of the UK cultivars originated in Scotland, a prime raspberry growing region, and so they reference the Glens of Scotland. For example Glen Cova and Glen Dee.
Yellow raspberries
Yellow raspberries are much softer than the other varieties, they should be hand picked carefully as they can easily fall off the plant when they are ripe. They also do not store as well as red raspberries, which is why they are rarely found in supermarkets or at farmers markets.
Yellow raspberries tend to have ‘gold’ in their name. For example All Gold and Summer Lovers Garden Golden. They can be summer or autumn fruiting.
The yellow colour comes about because genetically they do not have the dark colouring compounds called anthocyanins. So instead compounds such as beta carotene give them their colour.
Black Raspberries
Black raspberries are not the same as blackberries. Black raspberries are delicate fruits so they are great for eating fresh. As with all raspberries they can be made into jams and pies, and they can be frozen.
Black raspberriesa have ‘black’ in their name, for example Black Raspberry Starlight and Black Jewel.
Purple Raspberries
Purple raspberries have been created by crossing red and black raspberries. For this reason they are a sturdier fruit than black raspberries.
Examples of purple raspberries include Summer Lovers Garden Purple, Glencoe.
Pink Raspberries
Some of the red raspberry varieties have been bred to have a lighter shade of red colour resulting in pink fruits. They are less delicate than the yellow and black varieties.
An example of a pink raspberry is Tulameen.
What colour are ripe raspberries?
Ripe raspberries are the colour of the variety, for example if the variety produces a yellow fruit, then the ripe berry will be yellow. Or for a red variety, a fully red berry will be ripe.
White or green berries are not yet ripe.
If the fruits fall off the plant easily then the berry is ripe. If they are still firmly attached to the plant, the fruit is not yet ripe. Once ripe they don’t last for long on the plant before they start to get soft (or be eaten by the wildlife). So keep an eye on them as they are ripening and harvest them as soon as they are perfectly ripe.
Are darker or lighter raspberries better?
The preference for darker or lighter raspberries is largely subjective and depends on individual taste. In terms of ripeness and sweetness, both darker and lighter raspberries can be equally delicious. The color of raspberries is influenced by factors such as the variety, growing conditions, and ripening stage.
Some people associate darker raspberries with a richer, more intense flavor, while others may prefer the slightly milder taste of lighter-colored raspberries. Ultimately, the best raspberries are those that meet your personal flavor preferences and are fresh, plump, and well-ripened, regardless of their specific color.
What colour raspberry is the sweetest?
The sweetness of raspberries is not necessarily determined by their color. Instead, sweetness is influenced by factors such as the specific variety of raspberry, growing conditions, and the stage of ripeness. Raspberries generally become sweeter as they ripen, regardless of their color.
When choosing raspberries, look for ones that are plump, firm, and have a deep color, whether it’s red, yellow, purple, or black, depending on the variety. Taste preferences can vary, so it’s a good idea to try different varieties and find the one that suits your personal preference for sweetness and flavor. Keep in mind that sweetness is just one aspect of the overall flavor profile, and factors like tartness and juiciness also contribute to the taste experience.
How do I know if my raspberries are summer or autumn?
There are two types of raspberries: summer bearing and autumn bearing, also called everbearing.
Summer bearing raspberries produce fruit on the previous year’s canes. Autumn bearing raspberries produce fruit on the canes they grew this year.
Observe your raspberry patch in the spring, if there is life on last year’s canes for example swelling buds then you have summer bearing. If the canes look dry and dead, then you likely have autumn bearing.
Observe your raspberry patch in the summer, if there are fruits growing on last year’s canes, then you have summer bearing. If there are flowers and buds growing on new canes, and the canes are growing well then you likely have autumn bearing.
Also for summer bearing you will get a big flush of fruit all at once in the summer. With autumn varieties the fruit comes later in the year.
Should I cut my raspberries back?
Raspberry canes should be cut back. But it’s important to know when.
For autumn fruiting canes, they can be cut back during the late autumn and winter.
For summer fruiting canes do not cut them back in the autumn or winter as they will not bear fruit the following summer.
If you don’t know what you have don’t cut them back until you have spent a season observing them to work out what you do have.
What colour are wild raspberries?
Raspberries in the wild are red, and smaller than those cultivated for growing in our back gardens.
How long do raspberry plants last?
Typically raspberry plants last 7 – 10 years. It will depend on the growing conditions and how they are cared for as to how long they will last.
How do you increase the yield of raspberries?
Raspberries grow best and produce a high yield in the following conditions:
- Full sun – they will still crop in light or dappled shade, but the cropping will be reduced. Plant them North to South to minimise shading.
- Well drained soil – waterlogging in the winter will reduce their performance. Planting in a raised bed can help with drainage
- Well mulched – adding organic matter (compost or well rotted horse manure) around the base of the plant adds nutrients to the soil to improve growth
- Weed free – weeds compete with the growing raspberries for nutrients and water from the soil
- Sheltered site – heavy winds can impact on the fruiting of raspberries as the flowers can blow off and the plant can get damaged and have to repair rather than fruit. Raspberries can be supported with canes and wire to help them to grow.
- Appropriate spacing – planting closer together will not increase the yield. They should be planted 45 – 60cm apart.
- Well watered – the yield will decrease in times of drought. Ensure that they have adequate water throughout the summer
Conclusion
Raspberries come in a number of different colours based on their varieties, these are red, black, yellow, pink and purple.
I would love to hear what your favourite raspberry colour is in the comments below.