Rubus glaucus ( Andean Raspberry ) is a deciduous, fruiting plant that is native to the cool, humid climates of Latin America from Mexico to Bolivia. The Andean Raspberry is a popular berry in South America with a similar taste to the Loganberry and thrives in humid and elevated regions. Fast-growing and high in Vitamin C, the berry is used in pies, jams, ice creams and in confectionary.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
The Andean Raspberry is known in Latin America as Mora de Castilla which translates to Blackberry of Castille.
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Growth
Rubus glaucus is a perennial climbing shrub that grows to a maximum height of 3 metres (10 feet) and a width of around 2 metres. The plant consists of several round and spiny stems that form the corona of the plant. Leaves are trifoliate with serrated edges, dark green and white beam beneath. Both stems and leaves are covered by a white powder.
The fruit is an ellipsoid compound drupe of 15 to 25 mm (up to an inch) at its widest diameter, weighs around 3-5 grams and begin green before becoming red and then dark and bright purple when fully ripened.
Rubus glaucus grows best with temperatures between 12-19 °C/53-66°F, full sunshine high sunshine and well has an annual rainfall of between 800-2,500 mm (31-98 inches).
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Ericaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5°C to 30°C / 23 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, 50/50 sand and soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 3 metres (10 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (7 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
2-3 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
60-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification – 1 months and then 4-6 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 2000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Not beyond the normal nutritional value.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT RUBUS GLAUCUS ( Andean Raspberry )
Rubus glaucus reaches maturity and begins to produce fruit during their second year and then continue on for between 12 and 20 years.
Andean Raspberries are native to tropical highlands in South America and Central America and prefers elevations of between 1,500 m and 3,100 m. In countries such as Costa Rica, where it is warm year-round the plants can only be found in highly elevated regions where it is much cooler.
Germination Instructions
HOW TO GROW RUBUS GLAUCUS (Andean Raspberry)
Step 1
Soak seeds in water of room temperature for about 24 hours, changing the water after 12 hours.
Half fill a plastic zip-lock bag with a pre-moistened seed raising mix, sphagnum moss or peat moss (make sure none of these are too wet – if you can squeeze water out of it with your hand, it is too wet!), write the date on the bag, mix in the seeds loosely and place bag into the fridge for 4 weeks.
This process is called ‘cold stratification’ and is done to trick the seeds into believing they are going through a cold winter as they would in their natural habitat.
The seeds may not germinate if they have not been put through this process or germination rates will be lower & can take much longer.
A less successful but easier method is to sow the seeds around late-autumn and keep the soil moist throughout winter. Seeds will then sprout as the warmer weather returns in spring.
Step 2
After 4 weeks, sow each seed about 3mm into seed trays of seed raising soil that is rich in organic matter. Moisten with a spray bottle to avoid over watering and then move into a well-lit but shaded location.
A well-lit location is important as light affects germination rates, however, beware if placing in a sunny location as soil can dry out quickly.
Optimal temperature for germination according to studies is 18°C/64.4°F, however within the temperature range of 15-20°C/60-70°F is acceptable.
Temperatures above 27°C/80°C can cause seeds to go back into a dormant state but have been shown to have germination restart once temperatures dropped and stabilised back below 22°C/72°F.
If your temperatures are much lower at the time of year you are germinating, a heat mat may be necessary.
You can cover tray with plastic wrap to keep warmth and moisture inside the tray. Seeds should start to germinate between 4-6 weeks and can be sporadic, so don’t give up on any that haven’t sprouted until after 12 weeks!
Step 3
Once seedlings are looking strong, they can be moved to a sunnier location but be careful doing this in warmer months. If you need to do this, do it slowly so that seedlings have the time to adjust.
Seedlings can be transplanted once they reach 3 inches in height into a good quality, nutrient rich soil. Andean Raspberries prefer a slightly acidic soil to thrive, anywhere between 5.0 and 6.0 is ideal.
Keep in a small-medium pot until after first winter, so they can be moved inside if needed to protect them from frost and cold winds at this time.
Seedlings can be fertilised monthly with a weak organic fertiliser.
Step 4
Transplant to final position after last frost has passed, when the plants are at least one years old. If planting more than 1, space 1.5m apart/5 feet.
Again, be aware not to bring the soil to a too alkaline level. Using organic matter such as compost, food scraps, coffee grounds & manure are good organic ways of improving your soil.
During winter plants will often die back and wait until spring to regrow. Andean Raspberries will survive cold temperatures down to around -5°C/23°F.
Additional water advised when fruiting which is usually around early to mid-summer.
Andean Raspberry plants usually begin fruiting at 2 years of age or during their second full growing season.
