When planting caneberries, use only certified virus-free nursery stock rather than planting rooted cuttings taken from an existing, possibly virus-infected planting. Berries are generally planted from mid-January to March. If you use rooted cuttings from established plantings, make sure they are vigorous, disease-free plants.
Red raspberries should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart in rows 8 to 10 feet apart. Blackberries should be spaced 4 to 6 feet apart, depending on how vigorous the cultivar is; more vigorous cultivars should be spaced further apart. Plants can be spaced along a fence or trellis. In areas where the soil dries quickly, such as in the Central Valley of California, caneberries are best planted on flat land. In the coastal areas of California where soils are easily waterlogged, plant on hills or raised beds.
After planting, canes can be cut back to 2 inches so that new canes will begin growing from roots.
