Raspberry abuse

I just received my very first raspberry cane - a single Glen Coe stem in a pot. But, to my dismay, the instructions say to cut that single cane down to 2 cm above ground level to encourage new shoots Can that really be true??
I really don't want to murder it.

 

Yes, it will probably help it establish, you wont get any fruit this year.

 

Oof, alright, I'll try to be brave. Thanks for the advice!

 

Might be a good idea to get a few more, one plant is going to be a while before you get any really good crops off it, and the sooner you start the better.

 

Could MB use the prunings for cuttings?

 

I was JUST wondering that! I now feel validated in at least trying

 

Might be worth a try, nothing ventured nothing gained as they say.

 

I bought several a 3 weeks ago but ive been sick and depressed so theyre still sitting bare root dry. Whats the chance theyre dead pretty high i guess, still worth putting them in?

 

That's a pity @Adam I -hope you're on the mend now.
If you give them a good soak, it's still worth putting them in. Perhaps in pots to see what happens, and then if any don't make it, at least it's slightly easier to get them out than if they're in the ground. If they come away, you can plant them out.

 

Thanks. Ill give it a go when i get a bit better

 

Just make sure the roots are kept damp until you’re better.

Good luck. .

 

They're generally tough - especially the varieties which have been bred up here [and there are plenty!] so fingers crossed for you @Adam I

 

We bought our raspberries several years ago, and also found that advice painful. But our raspberries were fine and we get pounds and pounds of fruit from them every year.

 

That's a comfort! I snipped them, and have been anxiously waiting for new shoots to appear from underground. Nothing yet!

 

I'm going to follow this thread with interest.
I bought 15 raspberry canes a month or so ago - and likewise was shocked about the advice to cut down.
I decided to experiment having seen a range of different advice online - I cut down half and put half in as they came.
Only two of the cut ones has produced new growth, whilst all of the ones I left alone have all sprouted leaves/branches from the nodes.
Hoping I didn't make a mistake - and in the long run things will be ok.
I'm also probably being rather impatient !