Fall Gold stands as one of the most unique raspberries you can grow, producing stunning golden yellow berries that taste like sunshine itself. Released in New Hampshire in 1967 from a cross between Taylor raspberry and a wild Korean species, this everbearing variety delivers two harvests: summer fruit on second-year canes and fall crops on first-year growth. Hardy from zones 4-9, these 5-foot tall plants take roughly 700 days (2-3 years) to reach full production, but the wait rewards you with large, conical berries that are sweet as candy with a distinctive honey-like flavor.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
4-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained Loam; Slightly Acidic; Fertile
Preferred Temp55-85°F
Growth Stats
60 in
Height
—
Width
36 in
Spacing
700–700
Days to Harvest
PeriodPerennial
TypeSubshrub
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
4-9
Size
60in H x ?in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What makes Fall Gold truly special is its remarkable golden fruit that creates a stunning contrast in your berry basket when mixed with traditional red raspberries. This everbearing variety produces firm, conical berries with exceptional sweetness and a mild, honey-like flavor that makes them perfect for fresh eating and gourmet desserts. The plants are incredibly hardy, surviving zone 4 winters, while delivering reliable crops both in summer and fall. Unlike many golden raspberries that can be soft or bland, Fall Gold maintains excellent texture and stands out with its vibrant color and dependable production year after year.
Common Uses
Fall Gold excels in fresh eating applications where its golden color and sweet, honey-like flavor can truly shine. These berries are particularly prized for gourmet desserts and elegant fruit presentations, where their unusual color creates visual appeal alongside red raspberries. The mild, sweet flavor makes them perfect for morning cereals, yogurt toppings, and cheesecake garnishes. While some raspberries are better suited for preserving, Fall Gold is specifically recommended for fresh consumption rather than jams or preserves, as its delicate honey notes are best experienced when eaten straight from the cane.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Mid-spring
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Late Fall
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Plant bare root raspberries in spring after the ground can be worked, digging holes twice as large as the root ball. Lightly loosen the root ball and spread roots so they are covered while leaving the crown at soil level. Plant 1-2 inches lower than the nursery soil line (visible as a dark brown line on the cane). Pack soil firmly to ensure good root-to-soil contact and water thoroughly after planting.
Harvesting
Harvest Fall Gold berries when they turn golden yellow and feel slightly soft to the touch, typically occurring in mid-summer on second-year canes and again in fall on first-year growth. The fruit should come off the plant readily when pulled gently, and berries are at peak quality when they've reached their full golden color with perhaps a slight blush. Plan to harvest regularly over several weeks to maintain fruit quality and encourage continued production, picking every few days during peak season.
Pruning
As an everbearing variety, Fall Gold produces on both first-year canes (fall crop) and second-year canes (summer crop), requiring specific pruning techniques to maintain both harvests. Remove spent second-year canes after the summer harvest, and thin first-year canes to maintain proper spacing and air circulation.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Deer ResistantEdibleNative Species
Bloom Time
Late
Tolerances
Low Chill
Scientific Classification
Rubus idaeus L.
Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Rubus
Duration
Perennial
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (NI)AK (NI)CAN (NI)SPM (N)
History & Origin
“Fall Gold emerged from a thoughtful breeding program in New Hampshire, where it was released in 1967 as an early-season golden raspberry. The variety resulted from crossing the Taylor raspberry with Rubus pungens oldhami, a wild species native to Korea, creating something entirely new in the raspberry world. This intercontinental genetic marriage brought together the best of cultivated American raspberry traits with the hardiness and unique characteristics of its wild Asian parent. The variety quickly gained recognition for its unusual golden color and exceptional flavor, becoming a favorite among gardeners seeking something different from the typical red raspberry experience.”