Type
summer-bearing, red
Raspberry variety
Prelude Raspberry
Prelude is one of the earliest red raspberries and often gives a small fall crop as well. It is valued for cold hardiness and very early harvest timing.
Best for
early berries, northern gardens
About Prelude
Prelude is a summer-bearing (floricane) red raspberry known as one of the earliest to ripen, extending the very start of the season. It produces medium to large, firm, round berries with a good, mild raspberry flavor. It is notably winter hardy and shows useful tolerance to root rot, and it can also set a modest late-fall crop on first-year canes.
Growing Prelude Raspberry
Because it fruits mainly on second-year canes, prune out only the spent floricanes after the summer harvest and keep the healthy new canes for the following year. Provide a trellis or wire support since summer-bearing canes grow tall, and space plants about 2 to 3 feet apart. Watch drainage to protect the roots, and pick the early-season berries every few days as they soften and detach easily.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all raspberries, see the complete guide.
How to grow RaspberriesOther raspberries varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.