Summer-bearing
Latham Raspberry is a June-bearing floricane variety renowned for combining exceptional winter hardiness with outstanding fruit quality. Hardy in zones 3 through 8, this compact raspberry thrives in full sun and produces large berries that demand hand harvesting because of their uneven ripening. Beginning in the second year after planting, Latham delivers reliable summer crops in a compact growth habit, making it accessible to gardeners across much of North America.
Full Sun
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3-8
?in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
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Latham earned its reputation by balancing two qualities rarely found together: the ability to survive harsh winters in zone 3 and the production of uncommonly large, high-quality fruit. As a floricane (cane-bearing) variety, it concentrates its energy into one flush of summer berries rather than spreading fruiting across the season. Its compact growth habit means you won't need sprawling space, yet the yield from established canes is generous enough to make hand harvesting worthwhile.
Latham raspberries are grown primarily for fresh eating, hand-harvested at peak ripeness to preserve their exceptional quality. The uniform ripening challenges that preclude machine harvesting make them ideal for home gardens where careful hand selection ensures the best fruit reaches your table or kitchen. Their reliable production on established canes makes them dependable for fresh berry enjoyment and small-batch preservation.
Transplant bare-root or container-grown Latham canes in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in fall before the first hard freeze. Space canes 2 to 3 feet apart in rows spaced 6 to 8 feet apart, allowing room for new cane development and air circulation. Firm soil around the cane base and water deeply after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Latham berries are ready to harvest beginning in the second year after planting. Wait until berries are fully colored and soft to the touch, indicating peak ripeness and maximum flavor development. Hand-harvest in the cool morning hours after dew has dried, gently rolling ripe berries into your palm; they should separate from the cane with minimal resistance. Latham's uneven ripening means you'll make multiple passes through the same canes as fruits reach peak color and softness. Keep harvested berries cool immediately after picking to preserve their delicate texture and flavor. A single mature Latham planting can yield multiple pounds per cane over the summer harvest window.
As a floricane (summer-fruiting) variety, Latham requires annual pruning in late winter or very early spring before new growth emerges. Remove all canes that fruited the previous season at ground level, keeping only the healthiest new canes from the current year. Thin remaining canes to 4 to 6 strong canes per hill or linear foot, spacing them evenly to maximize air circulation and reduce disease pressure. Remove any weak, damaged, or diseased cane growth immediately. This approach concentrates the plant's energy into fewer, more productive canes and simplifies harvesting.
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“Latham was developed as a winter-hardy cultivar specifically bred to withstand cold climates while delivering the fruit quality that home gardeners and small farmers demanded. Its success across zones 3 through 8 made it one of the most popular June-bearing raspberries in North America, particularly valued by gardeners in regions where tender varieties fail. The variety represents deliberate horticultural selection for resilience without compromise on flavor or size.”