Description
Latham Raspberry (Rubus idaeus ‘Latham’)
USDA Growing Zones: 3–8
The Latham raspberry is a classic summer-bearing red raspberry cultivar prized for its cold hardiness, excellent fruit quality, and dependable performance in northern climates. Developed in Minnesota in the early 20th century, Latham quickly became a go-to choice for gardeners and small-scale growers looking for a vigorous, productive raspberry that could withstand harsh winters.
This upright, deciduous bramble plant produces sturdy, thorny canes that grow between 4 and 6 feet tall. Latham is a summer-bearing variety, meaning it produces one large crop per year on two-year-old canes (floricanes). Blooming in late spring, the plant produces clusters of white flowers, which develop into medium to large, bright red berries by mid to late summer. The fruit is firm, juicy, and easy to pick, with a well-balanced sweet-tart flavor ideal for fresh eating, baking, freezing, and preserving.
Latham raspberry thrives in USDA zones 3 through 8, making it one of the most cold-tolerant red raspberry cultivars available. It prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Consistent moisture is important, especially during fruit development, but the soil should not be waterlogged.
Like most raspberries, Latham spreads by underground suckers and will gradually form a productive patch over time. Annual pruning is necessary to remove old canes after fruiting and thin the new growth, which encourages airflow, disease resistance, and better yields.
Latham is relatively disease-resistant but may still face common raspberry issues like cane blight or powdery mildew if not properly spaced and maintained. It performs best with support from a trellis or wire system to keep the canes upright and organized.
Reliable, flavorful, and cold-hardy, Latham raspberry is a solid choice for northern gardeners seeking a traditional, productive red raspberry with time-tested performance.
