Latham - Red Fruiting Raspberry

Latham is an older summer-bearing red raspberry with relatively thornless canes and a dependable crop. Pacific Northwest cultivar trials describe its berries as medium red, small, and somewhat crumbly, with fair flavor, so harvest them regularly and use them fresh or for freezing. ## In the garden Plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with good air movement. First-year primocanes grow through the season; their second-year floricanes bear the summer crop and then die. [Illinois Extension](https://extension.illinois.edu/small-fruits/raspberries) describes Latham as a dependable, relatively thornless cultivar, while the [Pacific Northwest cultivar guide](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pnw-655-raspberry-cultivars-pacific-northwest) reports its fruit and moderate plant vigor. ## Fruit Pick berries as they ripen and handle them gently. The [University of Minnesota Extension raspberry guide](https://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/yard-and-garden/gardening-in-minnesota/growing-raspberries-in-the-home-garden) explains the cane cycle and harvest timing for summer-bearing raspberries. Latham is an older selection, and harvest timing varies by climate. ## Maintenance After harvest, remove spent floricanes at ground level and keep healthy primocanes for the next crop. Remove root suckers outside the row, thin excess shoots, and keep the planting narrow enough for air circulation and easy picking.