How to Grow Latham Raspberry
Latham Raspberry
Rubus idaeus 'Latham'
shrubLatham is a classic red raspberry cultivar known for its large, firm berries and exceptional hardiness. This summer-bearing variety produces abundant fruit on floricanes (second-year canes) and is widely grown both commercially and in home gardens. It remains one of the most cold-hardy raspberry varieties available, making it ideal for northern climates.
When should you plant Latham Raspberry in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Latham Raspberry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Latham Raspberry
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Latham Raspberry
Around Nov 8≈ 365 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Latham Raspberry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 2-7; exceptionally hardy and thrives in cold climates
Sign up free to see if Latham Raspberry grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Latham Raspberry timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment Year
12 monthsNew canes emerge from the base; plant focuses on root and vegetative growth rather than fruit production.
Remove flowers the first year to direct energy into cane development. Keep consistently watered and mulched. Thin to 4-6 strong canes per hill.
Dormancy
3-4 monthsCanes go dormant over winter; foliage yellows and drops. Canes harden off to withstand cold temperatures.
No pruning needed in fall; dormant pruning in early spring before growth resumes. Ensure good snow cover in northern zones.
Spring Growth & Flowering
6-8 weeksLateral shoots develop along floricanes; flower buds form and open into small white to pink blooms arranged in clusters.
Provide trellising support; maintain 1.5 inches of water weekly. Remove any winter-damaged cane tips.
Fruiting & Harvest
6-8 weeksGreen berries develop and gradually ripen to bright red over 4-6 weeks. Berries become firm, large (0.5-0.75 inches), and release easily from the core.
Pick ripe berries every 2-3 days; harvest in early morning for best flavor. Continue consistent watering.
Post-Harvest & Renewal
4-6 weeksAfter cane fruiting concludes, energy redirects to cane growth. Old fruiting canes begin to senesce and should be pruned out.
Remove all floricanes that fruited down to the base in late summer/early fall. Thin new primocanes to 4-6 per hill for next year.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Prune out infested canes below entry holes; avoid pruning in June when adults lay eggs
-
Handpick beetles in spring; apply insecticidal soap at bud break; maintain cane hygiene
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply miticides if severe; ensure adequate moisture and humidity
-
Handpick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; apply neem oil as needed
-
Spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; remove heavily infested shoots
Uses
Fresh eating and preserves
CulinaryLatham berries are excellent eaten fresh due to their large size and firm texture, and are prized for jam, preserves, and baking. Their high pectin content makes them ideal for jam production without added pectin. [source]
Freezing and commercial use
CulinaryThe firm structure of Latham raspberries makes them exceptionally well-suited to freezing with minimal texture loss, and they have been a commercial standard variety for this reason. [source]
Herbal tea and wellness
MedicinalRaspberry leaves (especially dried) have been used traditionally for herbal tea and are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and tannins. Leaf tea is traditionally valued for women's health. [source]
Garden hardiness standard
HouseholdLatham's exceptional cold-hardiness (to -40°F) makes it the benchmark cultivar for cold-climate raspberry growing and is valued by northern gardeners. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeRaspberry canes provide shelter and food for birds, beneficial insects, and small mammals. The flowers attract pollinators. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when berries turn fully red and detach easily from the core—typically June to July in most regions. Pick in early morning for best flavor and firmness. Latham berries are notably firm and hold well for fresh market, freezing, or jam. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season to encourage continued production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Latham was introduced in 1924 by the University of Minnesota and became the standard commercial red raspberry for over 50 years due to its cold-hardiness and shipping quality.
- 🌱 The variety is named after its ability to thrive in Latham, Minnesota, reflecting its legendary cold tolerance—it can survive temperatures as low as -40°F.
- 🌱 Latham canes are distinctly thorny, unlike thornless varieties; the thorns can be helpful for harvesting since the berries tend to release slightly later, reducing harvest pressure.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Latham Raspberry planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Latham Raspberry seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Latham Raspberry timeline →