Raspberry plants grow best in northern climates where the spring is a long, slow warming process. They will only survive and produce fruit in warmer climates if the are grown in light shade.Raspberries need full sun for the best berry production. They should be planted in rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil that has been generously supplemented with compost and well rotted manure.
Raspberry plants must not be allowed to dry out during their flowering and fruiting seasons. Raspberries come in four colors, red, yellow, purple and black. The purple and black varieties have rigid, upright stems and are able to stand alone.