Is there any other flavor that says "summer is here" better than that of a raspberry? If so, we can't really think of one, and Nova is a wonderful example. You don't have to be concerned about sub-zero temperatures with this variety, as it was developed in Nova Scotia, Canada and takes harsh winters in stride, reliably producing abundant crops of firm, bright red, medium to large berries in early summer. The flavor is superb, and the berries keep very well, arising on nearly thornless canes. What more could you possibly want in a raspberry?
Nova grows quite vigorously with an upright habit that reaches 4 to 5 feet tall. Resistant to most common cane diseases, it's a dependable shrub that will provide you with as many delicious berries as you could possibly eat.
Raspberries like full sun and good air circulation. They do best in enriched garden soil that is moisture retentive but well-drained. Plant about 3 feet apart in the row, or train up a trellis. Plant about 1 inch deep in heavy soils, 2 inches in loose, sandy soils. For best growth, cut back immediately after planting, to prevent the plant from setting fruit the first year. This will give you much stronger growth and better harvests in years to come. Water well during growth, and consider mulching to conserve water until the following spring, when the mulch should be removed to let the plants warm up. In winter, cut back to about 5 canes per crown.
