Meeker - Raspberry

Meeker is a summer-bearing red raspberry that produces fruit on second-year canes. Its medium-sized, medium-red berries have good flavor and are widely used for processing. ## In the garden Plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil; avoid sites that remain wet because raspberry roots are vulnerable to root rot. First-year primocanes provide next year's fruiting wood, while second-year floricanes carry the summer crop. The [Oregon State University home-garden guide](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1306-growing-raspberries-your-home-garden) lists Meeker among summer-bearing red cultivars for USDA Zones 5–8. The [Pacific Northwest cultivar guide](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pnw-655-raspberry-cultivars-pacific-northwest) describes its vigorous growth, medium-red berries, and midseason harvest. ## Fruit Harvest fruit as it colors and handle it gently. Meeker is widely used for processing; ripe raspberries soften quickly, so refrigerate berries promptly if they will be eaten fresh. Harvest timing varies by region: the Pacific Northwest guide reports a late-June to early-July start across its western sites. ## Maintenance After the crop, cut spent floricanes at ground level and retain healthy primocanes for the following summer. Remove unwanted root suckers outside the row, thin crowded growth, and irrigate during dry weather. Keep the row narrow and airy to make picking easier and reduce disease pressure.