Rubus idaeus 'Nova'
Overview
Uses: Backyard berry gardens, edible landscapes, raised beds, kitchen gardens, homestead fruit production.
Benefits: Cold-hardy summer-bearing variety bred for northern gardens, firm bright red berries with excellent flavor, nearly thornless canes for easier picking, strong disease resistance.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Upright — vigorous erect canes with long fruiting laterals.
Bloom Color: White
Mature Height: 3–5 ft.
Mature Width: 2–4 ft.
Bloom Season: Late Spring
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
A cold-hardy summer-bearing raspberry with firm, flavorful berries and nearly thornless canes developed for reliable performance in northern climates.
Rubus idaeus 'Nova' was released in 1981 from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College breeding program, developed from a cross of Southland and Boyne. Bred specifically for cold-climate performance, Nova has become a trusted choice for home gardeners and U-pick growers across the northern United States and Canada.
In late spring, the plants produce clusters of small white blossoms that attract pollinators. By early to mid summer, the long fruiting laterals are loaded with medium-sized, bright red berries that are firm, glossy, and full of classic raspberry flavor. The berries handle well after picking and freeze particularly well for longer storage.
Nova's nearly thornless canes, vigorous upright habit, and resistance to common cane diseases make it one of the most manageable and productive summer-bearing raspberries available.
Care
Nova Raspberry Care
Plant in full sun for the best berry production. Raspberry plants perform best with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
Provide fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture during the growing season. Raspberries prefer slightly acidic soil and benefit from a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Nova is a summer-bearing (floricane) variety, producing fruit on second-year canes. After harvest, remove the spent fruiting canes at ground level and allow new first-year canes to grow for the following season's crop. Thin canes in late winter to maintain good airflow and strong production.
If desired, apply a light feeding of slow release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy cane development and fruit production.
Size
What Size is the Nova Raspberry Plant for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are appropriately sized for their container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does the Nova Raspberry Plant Grow?
At maturity, Nova raspberry plants typically reach about 3–5 feet tall and spread gradually through new canes, forming productive raspberry patches over time.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly known as Nova raspberry or Nova red raspberry.
What makes Nova different from other raspberry varieties?
Nova was specifically bred for cold-climate performance and disease resistance. Its nearly thornless canes make harvesting more comfortable than many traditional varieties, and it produces firm berries that hold up well to handling and freezing.
Is Nova a summer-bearing or everbearing raspberry?
Nova is a summer-bearing (floricane-fruiting) raspberry. It produces fruit on second-year canes, with the main harvest arriving in early to mid summer.
Do Nova raspberry plants spread?
Raspberry plants naturally produce new canes from their roots, gradually expanding into productive berry patches if space allows. Regular management of suckers helps keep the planting tidy.
Where do Nova raspberries fit best in the landscape?
Nova raspberries work well in berry gardens, kitchen gardens, and edible landscapes. Explore more fruit-producing plants in our Berries and Fruit & Vegetable Plants collections.
