‘Cascade Gold’ raspberries are a unique yellow-fruited variety, valued for their sweet flavor and attractive appearance. They stand apart from more common red raspberry types, making them a desirable addition to many gardens.
Understanding Cascade Gold Raspberries
‘Cascade Gold’ raspberries are notable for their golden-yellow color, distinguishing them from traditional red varieties. Their flavor is exceptionally sweet with less tartness, often exhibiting honey-like notes. This cultivar is primocane-fruiting, producing fruit on first-year canes and potentially offering two crops per season. ‘Cascade Gold’ is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8 or 9. Developed by Washington State University and the USDA, it is known for its flavor, productivity, and disease resistance.
Planting Cascade Gold Raspberries
‘Cascade Gold’ raspberries thrive in full sun, requiring six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Good air circulation is important to minimize disease risk.
They prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.6-6.7) rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils or areas prone to waterlogging, as these can lead to root issues. Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure improves fertility and drainage.
Plant in early spring when the soil is workable. For bare-root plants, soak roots in water for 4 to 12 hours before planting to rehydrate them and reduce transplant shock. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system, ensuring proper depth. Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart. Trellises can support canes and improve air circulation.
Caring for Cascade Gold Raspberries
Watering
Consistent moisture is important, especially during dry periods and fruit development. Plants require 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Deep watering is more beneficial than shallow watering, encouraging deeper root growth. Water in the early morning to allow foliage to dry, reducing fungal disease risk. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses deliver water directly to roots while keeping foliage dry.
Fertilizing
‘Cascade Gold’ raspberries benefit from annual fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. For established plants, apply 2 to 3 ounces of nitrogen per 10 feet of row annually, divided into two applications: one in late March to early April, and the second 1.5 to 2 months later. Avoid excessive nitrogen later in the season, as this can promote new growth vulnerable to frost damage. Compost or well-rotted manure can also enrich the soil and provide nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is important for ‘Cascade Gold’ raspberries due to their primocane-fruiting nature. They produce fruit on first-year canes (primocanes) in late summer or fall. These canes, now floricanes, can produce a lighter crop the following summer. After floricanes finish fruiting, remove them at ground level in late fall or early spring. This prevents energy waste and reduces disease overwintering.
For a continuous fall harvest, prune primocanes that have fruited back to the ground, encouraging new growth. For a second summer crop, cut back the fruited portion of the cane; the remaining cane will produce fruit the next year. Thin remaining primocanes to three to five healthy canes per linear foot to prevent overcrowding, improve air circulation, and ensure good fruit production. Remove any canes growing outside the desired row width.
Pest and Disease Management
Though ‘Cascade Gold’ raspberries have increased disease resistance, common pests and diseases can occur. Aphids can cause leaves to curl or yellow. Japanese beetles feed on foliage and fruit. Spider mites cause discoloration and speckling, especially in dry conditions.
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids and spider mites. Companion planting with garlic can deter Japanese beetles. Regularly inspect plants for early detection and hand-picking of larger pests. Maintain good air circulation through proper pruning and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and anthracnose. Organic solutions such as insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils can be used for pest control if infestations become problematic.
Harvesting Cascade Gold Raspberries
Harvest ‘Cascade Gold’ raspberries when they reach optimal ripeness. They are ready when they achieve a deep golden or orange hue and detach easily with a gentle tug. Unlike red raspberries, their color change indicates ripeness rather than softness. Picking them when too pale yellow may result in less intense flavor.
Handle gently to avoid bruising. Pick frequently, every one to two days during peak season, to ensure freshness and prevent overripening. A healthy plant can be productive, yielding large, firm berries. For short-term storage, refrigerate fresh raspberries for a few days. For longer preservation, they freeze well and are suitable for jams, pies, or other culinary uses.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) can indicate nutrient deficiencies (iron, magnesium, nitrogen), high alkaline soil pH, overwatering, or poor drainage. Adjusting soil pH, ensuring proper drainage, and balanced fertilization can address this.
Poor vigor or lack of fruit production can stem from incorrect pruning, inadequate pollination, or nutrient deficiencies. Viruses can cause stunted growth and reduced yields, especially in older plantings. Appropriate pruning and maintaining soil fertility improve vigor. If viral infections are suspected, replace affected plants with certified disease-free stock in a new location. Soil compaction and poor drainage also contribute to plant decline.