Joan J

Joan J Raspberry is a highly productive primocane-bearing raspberry known for its early ripening, large berries, and exceptional ease of harvest. This standout variety produces firm, bright red raspberries with a sweet, mild flavor that works beautifully for fresh eating, baking, freezing, and preserving. One of Joan J’s most appreciated features is its thornless canes, making harvesting far more comfortable than many traditional raspberry varieties. With strong yields and a long harvest window, Joan J is a favorite among both home gardeners and commercial growers.

SHIPPING INFO: This product begins shipping in March. We will try to ship within the ideal planting window for your growing zone.

Why Grow Joan J Raspberry?

• Thornless canes for easier, more comfortable harvesting
• Early-ripening primocane variety with a long harvest window
• Produces large, firm, bright red berries with excellent flavor
• Highly productive and well suited for home gardens
• Great for fresh eating, baking, freezing, and preserving

Growing Information

🌱 Plant Type: Bare root raspberry (primocane / fall-bearing)
🌱 Hardiness Zones: 4–8
🌱 When to Plant: Early spring, as soon as soil can be worked
🌱 When to Harvest: Early summer through fall (one of the earliest ripening primocane varieties)

Cultivation Tips

• Soil requirements: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Avoid poorly drained areas where water may pool.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes earlier ripening and higher yields.
• Watering: Water consistently, especially during establishment and dry periods. Soil should remain moist but not soggy. Mulching helps conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Pruning: Joan J fruits on first-year canes. Many growers cut canes to the ground in late winter for a single, strong annual harvest.
• Spacing: Space plants approximately 18–30 inches apart to allow for airflow and healthy cane development.

Click here for a video on How to Care for Raspberries: Plants and Plugs

Click here for our Raspberry Growing Guide

History

Joan J Raspberry was developed in the United Kingdom by raspberry breeder Dr. Derek Jennings and introduced in the late 1990s. It was bred to improve upon earlier primocane varieties by offering higher yields, firmer fruit, and thornless canes. Its early ripening habit and reliable performance quickly made it popular with both commercial growers and home gardeners.

Non-GMO Commitment: At The Farm on Central, all our plants are guaranteed non-GMO and not genetically modified in any way, upholding natural breeding methods and promoting sustainable gardening and farming practices.

Growing method: Conventionally grown, due to tissue culture propagation which ensures disease-free planting stock.