Rubus idaeus 'Nova' - 'Nova' Raspberry

Discover the 'Nova' Raspberry, an early and highly productive variety that will delight you with delicious fruit from early summer! Renowned for its strong vigour and disease resistance, this upright raspberry bush produces large, firm, and juicy red raspberries, perfect for fresh eating or processing. Easy to grow, 'Nova' is an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels looking for an abundant and flavourful harvest.

Harvest: Production & Flavours

The 'Nova' Raspberry is a very reliable cultivar, offering a generous harvest of premium quality fruit. Its early fruiting period allows you to enjoy the first raspberries of the season.

• Harvest Period: Late June - July
• Visual Description: Large, conical raspberries, vibrant and glossy red, very firm and plump.
• Flavour Profile: Sweet and mild, with a slight acidity that enhances their fruity taste. The flesh is juicy and aromatic.
• Culinary Uses: Excellent fresh, in jams, jellies, pies, coulis, smoothies, or to accompany your desserts and breakfasts. Freezes very well.

Planting Guide

To ensure the success of your 'Nova' raspberry bush, follow these key steps:

1. Ideal Location: Plant your 'Nova' in full sun to maximize fruit production. A well-ventilated site is also important to prevent diseases. Support (trellis, wires) is recommended to hold up fruit-laden canes.
2. Soil Preparation: This raspberry bush prefers well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 6.8). Generously amend with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill with your amended soil mix and gently tamp down. Space plants approximately 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) apart and allow 1.5 to 2.5 metres (5 to 8 feet) between rows.
4. Pollination:
   • Type: Self-fertile; 'Nova' does not require another raspberry bush to produce fruit.
   • Suggested Partners: No partners are necessary.

Care Guide

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Regular and deep watering is important, particularly during dry periods.
• Fertilization: In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer or one specific to small fruits. An annual application of compost around the base of the plants is also beneficial.
• Pruning: 'Nova' is a June-bearing (or summer-bearing) raspberry, meaning it produces fruit on canes that grew the previous year. After the summer harvest, prune all canes that have fruited down to the ground (they will often be darker and woody). Leave the new green canes, which will produce fruit the following year. Thin out new canes, keeping only the most vigorous.
• Protection:
  • Against Birds: Raspberries are highly appealing to birds; bird netting may be necessary as harvest approaches.
  • Winter Protection: Thanks to its good hardiness (Zone 3), 'Nova' generally does not require additional winter protection in Quebec. A good layer of mulch at the base of the plant will help insulate the soil.