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When most people think of raspberries, they picture cool-climate gardens. But the Atherton raspberry (Rubus probus) proves that these delicious berries can thrive in Queensland’s subtropical heat. Native to Northern Australia, this variety is a vigorous grower that fruits almost year-round under the right conditions. With the right care and setup, growing raspberries in Queensland is easier than you might think.
Choosing the Right Raspberry

For Queensland’s warm climate, the Atherton raspberry is your best choice. Unlike European varieties, which can struggle with our humidity and summer heat, Atherton raspberries thrive here. They produce smaller, bright red berries with an intense, tangy-sweet flavour. Best of all, they grow like a train, quickly covering trellises, fences, or slopes.
If you’d like to experiment with non-native varieties, look for primocane raspberries like ‘Heritage’ or ‘Autumn Bliss.’ These fruit on first-year canes, making them better suited to our climate than floricanes. But keep in mind, they’ll need more care, including cooler microclimates and careful watering, to perform well.
Pro Tip: Planting Atherton raspberries near a fence or trellis lets them climb naturally, creating both a productive crop and a living privacy screen.
Preparing the Perfect Spot
Atherton raspberries love rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They’re a bit more forgiving than imported varieties but will reward you with more fruit if you get the soil right.
- Test the soil to ensure it’s slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5). Adjust with sulphur or lime if needed.
- Add compost or aged manure for nutrients. A layer of compost under mulch works wonders for retaining moisture while feeding the soil.
- Choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade. Full sun in Queensland’s summer can scorch the leaves. Mine are in almost full shade and producing a gorgeous crop. Maybe not as much as in a sunnier position, but plenty for the four of us to snack on daily!
Tip: Consider planting raspberries near heat-tolerant ground covers like sweet potatoes. These shade the soil, keeping roots cooler and preventing water evaporation.
Planting Atherton Raspberries
Atherton raspberries can be planted almost year-round in Queensland, but autumn is ideal. Cooler temperatures help them establish before summer arrives.
- Space canes about 50 cm apart in rows, with 1–1.5 metres between rows.
- Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably. Cover with soil and water in well.
- You can install a simple trellis or fence system to keep them supported. I didn’t bother. I’ve got them planted on the side of my ‘stink bog’ – a small food forest with a big drainage ditch in the middle. They’re very happy rambling through the other plants and don’t seem to need support. If you’d like them tidier, a support could be a good idea.
- Raspberries will sprout canes on runners. I’ve planted mine where any unwanted canes get mowed. This keeps them in check enough for me. You can also replant the canes – just dig them up and replant!
Pro Tip: Plant raspberries in a microclimate that mimics their natural rainforest habitat. For example, a spot near water features or shaded walls can help regulate temperature and humidity.
Caring for Raspberries in Queensland
Watering
Atherton raspberries are hardy but need consistent moisture, especially during fruiting. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
Feeding
Feed raspberries at the start of the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser. Top up with liquid feeds like seaweed extract or compost tea every 4–6 weeks. Over-fertilising with nitrogen can lead to lots of leafy growth but fewer berries, so don’t overdo it. I often don’t fertilise at all, just mulch, mulch, mulch! I spread around wheelbarrows of horse manure as well, but that’s about it.
Mulching
Mulch heavily with sugarcane or bark chips to keep the roots cool and retain moisture. Adding a layer of compost underneath the mulch provides a slow release of nutrients as it breaks down.
Pests and Diseases
Queensland’s humidity can attract pests like fruit flies, scale, and aphids. I generally just let nature sort it out, but if you prefer to treat the plants, try using neem oil or insect netting. For fruit flies, netting is your best bet to protect ripening fruit. Fungal diseases like rust or mildew can be managed with good airflow around the canes and avoiding overhead watering.
Pruning and Managing Growth
Atherton raspberries are vigorous growers, and pruning is essential to keep them under control. At the end of the fruiting season, cut the canes back to ground level. This encourages fresh, productive growth for the next season.
For imported primocanes, prune all canes in winter to keep it simple. If you’re experimenting with floricanes, remove the canes that fruited, leaving the newer ones to fruit next year.
Tip: Trellising isn’t just for support. It helps improve airflow and reduces diseases, especially in humid conditions.
Harvesting and Storing
Atherton raspberries fruit almost year-round in Queensland, but the main harvest peaks in autumn and spring. Pick berries when they’re bright red and detach easily from the stem. Harvest every couple of days to keep up with ripening fruit.
Fresh raspberries are best enjoyed within a day or two. For longer storage, freeze them immediately after picking. Lay them flat on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a container for easy use later.
Five Tips to Help Your Raspberries Thrive
- Layered Mulching: Add compost under your mulch to improve moisture retention and gradually feed your plants.
- Encourage Fungi: Use a mycorrhizal inoculant to promote healthier root systems and better nutrient uptake.
- Cooler Roots: Keep soil temperatures down by planting raspberries near shade-tolerant companion plants like strawberries or sweet potato.
- Simple Trellising: A sturdy fence or trellis keeps Atherton raspberries growing up instead of out, making them easier to manage.
- Regular Maintenance: Prune and feed on a schedule. Skipping these steps can quickly turn your raspberry patch into a tangled mess.
Why Grow Atherton Raspberries?
The Atherton raspberry is perfect for Queensland gardeners. It’s hardy, productive, and well-suited to subtropical conditions. Unlike cool-climate varieties, it doesn’t need chilling hours to fruit and thrives in the heat and humidity. Once established, it produces an abundance of flavour-packed berries that are perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or preserving.
With a bit of planning and care, you’ll have a raspberry patch that not only provides delicious fruit but also attracts pollinators and adds beauty to your garden.
If you’ve got space for one plant, make it the Atherton raspberry – it’ll grow like a train and reward you year-round!