Cane growth is vigorous, but the canes are less sturdy than those of Heritage. Berries are medium sized, softer and juicier than Heritage, but store well. The berries prominent hairs and do not develop colour evenly. Berries retain bright red colour after harvest. Average berry size decreases through the season.
Southland presents a worthwhile double cropping opportunity.
Primocanes are grown and cropped for autumn production, then pruned and trained as for summer cropping raspberry varieties. Southland fruit does not ripen until late February and cropping finishes before Heritage. Southland yield is less than Heritage, especially in the first season. Bred at East Malling, U.K., 1974. Autumn Bliss produces an early autumn crop starting before and finishing after Southland.