Raspberries
Rubus sp. ‘Dorman Red’ & ‘Autumn Bliss’
Status: Active
Location: Chesed Ranch Berry Patch
Planted: 2026
Source: Ty Ty Nursery
Plant IDs: CR-RSP-001 (Dorman Red), CR-RSP-002 (Autumn Bliss)
Pushing the Boundaries
If the rabbiteye blueberries represent crops perfectly suited for North Florida, the raspberries represent something entirely different.
Raspberries are rarely associated with Florida. Most people think of cool mountain climates, northern states, or the Pacific Northwest when they imagine raspberry production. Growing them successfully in the heat and humidity of North Florida requires careful variety selection and a willingness to experiment.
That made them a perfect fit for Chesed Ranch.
Dorman Red and Autumn Bliss were selected because they offer the best opportunity to enjoy fresh raspberries while testing the limits of what can be grown on the property. While success is not guaranteed, both varieties have developed reputations for tolerating warmer climates better than many traditional raspberry cultivars.
Sometimes the most rewarding plants are the ones that challenge expectations.
Quick Facts
| Characteristic | Dorman Red | Autumn Bliss |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Raspberry | Raspberry |
| Fruiting Habit | Floricane Bearing | Primocane Bearing |
| Fruit Color | Red | Red |
| Harvest Season | May–June | Late Summer–Fall |
| Growth Habit | Vigorous Cane | Upright Cane |
| Heat Tolerance | Excellent | Moderate-Good |
| Florida Adaptation | Proven Southern Performer | Experimental |
| Pollination | Self-Fertile | Self-Fertile |
Why We Chose Dorman Red & Autumn Bliss
Dorman Red was an easy choice.
Developed specifically for Southern growing conditions, it is one of the few raspberries with a long history of successful production in warm climates. If there is a raspberry variety capable of thriving in North Florida, Dorman Red is usually at the top of the list.
Autumn Bliss was chosen for a different reason.
Known for its primocane fruiting habit and excellent berry quality, Autumn Bliss provides an opportunity to experiment with extending raspberry production into a different harvest window. While less proven under Florida conditions, its reputation and fruit quality made it worth the trial.
Together they allow us to compare two very different approaches to raspberry growing.
Berry Patch Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Planting Date | 2026 |
| Growing System | Dedicated Raspberry Trellis |
| Trellis Type | Multi-Wire Support System |
| Mulch Type | Arborist Mulch |
| Irrigation | Drip |
| Soil Type | Amended Organic Mix |
| Mycorrhizae Applied | Yes |
Location in Orchard
📍 Raspberry Trellis
Unlike the blueberries, which are planted in permanent berry rows, the raspberries occupy their own dedicated wire trellis system designed to support cane growth, improve airflow, and simplify pruning and harvest.
Annual Growth Log
2026
Planting Date: June 2026
Observations
- Bare-root plants received and established.
- Dedicated trellis system installed.
- Focus during establishment year is root development and cane growth.
- Heat tolerance and vigor under North Florida conditions being closely monitored.
Photos
(Insert planting photos)
Weather & Climate Summary
Season Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Chill Hours | TBD |
| GDD | TBD |
| Rainfall | TBD |
| Last Freeze | TBD |
| Peak Summer Temp | TBD |
Performance at Chesed Ranch
Strengths
- Unique addition to the berry patch
- Self-fertile varieties
- Potential for extended harvest season
- Dedicated trellis simplifies management
- Dorman Red has proven Southern adaptability
Challenges
- Heat and humidity pressure
- Disease management in wet years
- Cane maintenance and pruning requirements
- Less proven than blueberries under local conditions
Overall Assessment
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the most interesting experiments currently underway at Chesed Ranch and a test of how far Southern berry production can be pushed.
Looking Forward
The raspberry trellis embodies one of the guiding principles of Chesed Ranch: balancing proven performers with thoughtful experimentation.
Dorman Red provides confidence because of its long history of success in Southern climates.
Autumn Bliss provides curiosity because of its potential to offer something different.
Whether these plants ultimately become a major source of fruit or simply an educational experiment, they will teach us something about our climate, our soils, and the possibilities of growing beyond conventional expectations.
And sometimes that lesson is worth as much as the harvest itself.
Related Resources
UF/IFAS Publications
- Small Fruit Production in Florida
- Bramble Production for Southern Growers
Related Plants
- Austin Blueberry
- Brightwell Blueberry
- Tifblue Blueberry
- Delite Blueberry
- Chesed Ranch Wild Selection Blueberries
| Variety | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorman Red | ███ | ███ | |||||
| Autumn Bliss | ███ | ███ | ███ | ||||
| Austin Blueberry | ███ | ███ | |||||
| Brightwell Blueberry | ███ | ███ | |||||
| Tifblue Blueberry | ███ | ███ | |||||
| Delite Blueberry | ███ | ███ |