Encore Raspberry

Description

Encore Raspberry (Rubus idaeus ‘Encore’)
USDA Growing Zones: 4–8

Encore raspberry is a high-yielding, late-season red raspberry variety known for its extended harvest window, excellent berry quality, and strong disease resistance. Developed by Cornell University, Encore is prized by growers who want to stretch their raspberry season into late summer while maintaining consistent fruit quality and plant vigor.

This upright, clump-forming plant produces sturdy canes that reach 4 to 6 feet tall. Encore is a summer-bearing variety, meaning it fruits on second-year canes (floricanes) and produces one large crop per year. What sets Encore apart is its late ripening time—harvest typically begins in late July or early August, about two to three weeks after other summer-bearing cultivars like Latham.

The berries are large, firm, and medium red in color, with a mild yet sweet flavor that holds up well for fresh eating, desserts, freezing, and preserves. The fruit retains its shape during picking and has excellent shelf life, making it suitable for both home use and small commercial operations.

Encore raspberry thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8, preferring full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH. It requires consistent moisture during the growing season, especially during flowering and fruiting, but does not tolerate soggy roots.

Pruning and maintenance follow standard raspberry care—remove fruiting canes after harvest and thin out weaker new canes to improve airflow and light penetration. Encore has demonstrated good resistance to common raspberry diseases, including root rot and cane blight, and its upright growth habit makes it easier to manage than more sprawling types.

With its late-season fruit, excellent berry quality, and reliable cold hardiness, Encore raspberry is a solid choice for gardeners looking to extend their raspberry harvest while minimizing disease concerns and maximizing productivity.