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Origin
Joan Squire is from a cross between two hybrids of complex origin.
Cropping Season
In Southern England, the primocane crop starts to ripen about two
weeks after Autumn Bliss and two weeks before Heritage. Most of the
crop ripens in September and hence provides a useful extension to the
autumn season. A further extension can be obtained by cutting the
canes to 9” above soil level in late April or May.
Yield
Total yield of the primocane crop is usually similar to that of
Autumn Bliss and greatly in excess of Heritage.
Fruit Size
The average fruit weight is usually over 4gm, similar to Autumn
Bliss and considerably more than that of Heritage.
Fruit Quality
The fruits have a long shelf life. They are very firm and cohesive
with skin strength nearly as good as that of Heritage. Flavour is
excellent and their colour is an attractive medium red with some
brightness and no tendency to develop blue tinges when fully ripe.
Plant Characteristics
The canes are spine free, numerous and vigorous. They tend to
spread at harvest time and need support.
Horticultural Value
In areas with a relatively short growing season the variety
provides a valuable alternative to Autumn Bliss for the autumn
production of fresh fruit. Where the growing season is longer it has
the potential to replace Heritage and become the main primocane-fruiting
variety.
Additional Information
Joan Squire can be grown as either a primocane fruiting or a
double-cropping raspberry. For the latter, the lower portions of the
canes are retained after the terminal portions have completed their
autumn crop and been removed. These provide an early spring crop with
the same season as Glen Moy. The variety will give them two crops in
the year.
Preliminary experience of cane management suggests that reduction
of cane numbers is beneficial, especially for the spring crop. |
