Latham

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Sweetly perfumed berries of Latham arrive in a bright, jewel-toned flush—tender, medium-to-large raspberries with a classic raspberry tang and a juicy, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Their vivid color and delicate drupe structure make them a standout for fresh enjoyment and for turning into luscious sauces, preserves, and spoonable toppings. Grow Latham for a garden that feels as rewarding as it tastes, with fruiting that feels generous from season’s early peak through the heart of summer.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Latham’s medium-large, tender drupes collapse into a juicy mouthfeel fast, so treat them gently—think fresh spoonfuls or minimal-cook sauces where the perfume and tang don’t dull. If you reduce, keep it short; you want the brightness to stay vivid, not turn jammy and heavy.

Best Uses

fresh eating where the berries don’t have to survive heavy handling
quick berry spoon-toppings for yogurt or pannacotta
stirred raspberry sauce (light reduction so the tang stays up front)
small-batch preserves or jam where the natural perfume can take the lead

Flavor Profile

sweetly perfumed berry aromatics bright raspberry tang tender, melt-in-the-mouth juiciness delicate drupe texture that breaks easily

Kitchen Pairings

vanilla lemon Greek yogurt dark chocolate whipped cream butter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage cane blight and cane borers on Rubus idaeus (raspberry)?

Inspect canes regularly for purple/gray lesions and dieback (often linked to cane blight) and remove any infected canes as soon as you spot symptoms. For borers, look for frass (fine sawdust-like material) and holes in canes; cut out and destroy affected sections below the damage. Improve airflow by keeping canes thinned and tied to support wires, and avoid overhead watering to reduce spread.

How often should I water Rubus idaeus during its main growing phase?

During the active growing period (from bud break through fruiting, about the first 6–8 weeks), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat. Check moisture by pressing a finger 1–2 inches into the soil; water when it starts to dry at that depth. Mulch around the plants to stabilize moisture, especially during hot spells.

When are Rubus idaeus ready to harvest, and how can I tell?

Harvest when berries are fully colored (deep red for most red raspberries), plump, and they separate easily from the receptacle with a gentle tug. Timing is typically around day 60, but rely on berry readiness rather than the calendar. Pick often—every 2–3 days in peak season—because overripe raspberries soften quickly and can mold.