Start your raspberry season earlier than ever with Prelude Raspberry Plants, one of the earliest summer-bearing red raspberries available. Known for its sweet, juicy berries and dependable yields, Prelude also offers the bonus of a small fall crop in some growing regions—extending your harvest season.

These canes produce medium-sized, aromatic berries perfect for snacking, desserts, and preserves. With its cold hardiness, strong vigor, and consistent performance, Prelude is a great choice for USDA Zones 4–8. It grows on sturdy, upright canes that require minimal support and are easy to manage.

Shipped as 1-year-old bare root plants, Prelude establishes quickly and begins producing early in the season, making it ideal for gardeners who want an early harvest and reliable returns year after year.

Planting & Growing Instructions:
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Sunlight: Full sun (minimum 6 hours/day)
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5
Spacing: 2–3 feet between plants, 6–8 feet between rows
Watering: 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week; increase during fruiting
Mulching: Use straw or compost mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
Trellising: Recommended to support upright canes and improve airflow