Joan J Primocane Red Raspberry Plant

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Description

Large, delicious, and easy to pick. This thornless raspberry variety produces high yields of tasty, firm berries from stout canes. A terrific choice for northern fruit-gardens. Joan Squire x Teri-Louise. Cold-hardy. Fall-bearing (everbearing) primocane with a summer crop. Floricane berries ripen in July. Primocane berries ripen in September through frost. Self-pollinating. May be covered by USPP #18,954 or other patents.

Note: Do not plant Red, Gold or Purple raspberries within 75-100 feet of Black raspberries. Black raspberries may be more susceptible to viral diseases carried by aphids to and from nearby raspberry plants.

After planting, be sure to prune the bare-root canes back to about 2 inches above the ground. (This does not apply to potted raspberry plants.) Do not skip this step! It is a crucial factor in encouraging the roots to send up new growth during the growing season. It is in the nature of raspberry plants to send up new growth as suckers or basal shoots from below the ground. This means the canes that you plant may not be where you find signs of life or new growth. When it’s time to grow, you will see new sprouts emerge from the ground around where you planted the cane, and this growth is coming from the raspberry plant’s root system.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Large - Extra Large
Hardiness Zone Range 3 - 8
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest July And September
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 6.8
Taste Sweet
Texture Firm
Years to Bear 1 - 2

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 3 - 8
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.

Pollination

This variety is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. You'll get fruit with only one plant!

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow raspberry plants in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

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Questions & Answers

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34 Questions
Why did you choose this?

Sounds like just what we were looking for.

Thornless

“Preferred variety and northern zone ”

I chose this because it seemed more affordable for a pack of 3.

Just wondering if this berry is thornless? Thanks, Mike>

Thornless is relative! They don’t have big stiff thorns but are still spiney and prickly. Don’t expect smooth stems and handle with care!

Would these berry plants grow well, and produce in 24" half barrel pots?

I don't see why not! I might even suggest adding some sort of (temporary) support structure above the barrel, like a tomato cage or something similar, so the raspberry canes can be propped up when they're heavy with fruit.

How important it is to trellis these?

Very important, they grow fast and tall.

Do the Joan J's need to be cut down in the fall?

It depends on when you want the plants to produce. If you cut all the canes down at the end of the year, then you'll get one concentrated harvest of berries in the late summer/fall of the next year. I cut the second-year canes down and leave the first-year canes standing so I get berry production spread out through most of the spring, summer and fall. Either way, make sure you have a good trellis system set up for the canes because they break easily.

do the vines need support?

Yes they do...just like a child - 'train them in the way to grow'.
Pruning for shape is good idea, so they don't overtake the other plants.
JM 5-4-19

I planted raspberry plants in early June, but they had about 3 feet of cane growth(my neighbor gave them to me.) I did not cut them back. Should I still do that now in mid July?

No I would wait untill fall.

Will they grow in clay soil?

Yes, but not vigorously. You would be well-served to buy some bagged composted manure at your local garden center, spread it where you’re planting your berries, and spade it in before planting. Makes it easier for the roots/rhizomes to spread over time, and gives the plants the stuff they need to put up vigorous canes with lots of fruit.

R they thornless?

Are they thornless?

Yes, no thorns on mine from Starks Brothers....do not be worried that they come as "small sticks"...they grow quickly asking very little other than some sun, water, and fertilizer in spring. Otherwise, leave them alone and you'll have berries the first year (small amount) but by year 2 on, a very good crop.....sweet, big and not like anything in the store. They spread a bit (like any variety) so put in an area where that is ok....and I love Stark Brothers, my family (Maine) has used them for years; great plants and if rarely an issue, they stand behind you...

Enjoy!

I am located in Zone 6A (Southern Missouri), have these plants held up well in the heat of the summer? I realize that raspberries are thought of northern plants, just curious...

We planted some last spring, they produced last summer for us. The berries were some of the best tasting we’d had. They kept producing most of the season, once the drought and heat really set in they suffered ( we didn’t do a good job of watering though either), a shade cloth probably wouldn’t hurt once you get into July/august. We’re hoping they’ll come back this year.

dO the primo cane plants sucker ?

I understood I was to pick off the newest of the suckers so the rest of the plant could retain the nutrients and the berries be larger. If they are off the plant, replant to another area. I have done this several times, looking great.
Jeanine 5-4-19

Customer Reviews

161 Ratings
3.8out of 5 stars
161 Ratings

Rated 5 stars by 54% of reviewers

Rated 4 stars by 11% of reviewers

Rated 3 stars by 9% of reviewers

Rated 2 stars by 7% of reviewers

Rated 1 star by 19% of reviewers

1-10 of 161 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 12, 2025
Happy healthy plants
I bought six and they arrived in great shape with lots of roots and healthy. I planted as recommended and not long after started to see raspberry shoots coming up. All six grew great and are growing strong. It's only been a few months so haven't harvested any fruit but sure have healthy plants going!
Rated 5 out of 5
Mar 7, 2025
LOVE
No complaints. Our berries are healthy and delicious. My most favorite raspberry. No more scratches from thorns. Grows large berries. The best I've seen and tasted. Growing strong for 3 years. Have many plants from original 3. I froze 4 gallon bags last year and ate many fresh all season. Good thing I love them. I even let delivery people snack on them as they're near driveway and they look so tempting.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 6, 2024
Beautiful
I planted these in the spring and they are taking off like crazy now (August/Sept). I have beautiful plants and berries ripening as we speak, The first two months i was worried the plants would not make it. They arrived in great condition but after planting seemed to go downhill for a few weeks. Now they are just beautiful. Can definitely recommend these berries and Stark Bros! I have to grow them under an insect barrier because we are inundated with box elder bugs and they are so damaging to our fruit.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 6, 2024
Excellent Raspberries!
In 2023 I bought the Joan J Primocane Red Raspberry 3 pack and planted them in May zone 6A PA. I lost one to the deer. I recommend fencing till they are established. In 2024 the remaining two are healthy and productive. Surprisingly large berries, sweet and juicy.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 11, 2024
Survived
I ordered Joan Jet as one of the varieties, and all three roots survived to growing plant. They have yet to flower, but by design, they should soon do so.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 3, 2024
Primocane raspberry rooted cuttings.
After receiving my order I followed planting instructions as recommended. I had 100% success!
I am very pleased with these raspberry cuttings and their ease of planting, strength of the canes and vigor.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 1, 2024
My favorite red raspberry!
I have been trialing red raspberry varieties here in Michigan and so far, Joan J is my absolute favorite! They are huge, juicy, meaty and vigorous with amazing flavor. They crop spring and fall but fall is much heavier. Last year I did get a little botrytis because it was insanely rainy. I read thatvthe canes should be thinned to 6" apart so I will try that this year.
I also tried Heritage, Latham and Anne yellow and all of them had small crumbly, bad quality berries that looked dark and insects always seem to get ahold of first. I never get anything from those and plan on just ripping them out and sticking to Joan J.
I am also trialing Encore and Prelude because I read those are great for the midwest but I just planted them this spring so I have to wait until next year to see if those are worth it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 30, 2024
No issues, growing well. Beautiful plants. Shipping was on time and everything was packaged as expected.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 25, 2024
Good Thornless Raspberries
Planting them was very easy and straightforward. All three plants sprouted and grew after one to two weeks after planting. I haven't seen any buds or flowers yet. They have no thorns as expected. Bug pressure is high so I bought some pesticide and it's working. I love these raspberries and I recommend them.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 24, 2024
Easy to grow . Plants are already over two feet tall .