One of the big misconceptions people in warmer climates have is that raspberries like full sun. This is only true in colder climates. In warmer climates, especially in dry regions like Southern California and Texas, raspberries DO NOT do well in full sun; they will wither and die, even if you give them water everyday. Raspberries still need some sun, they cannot grow in too much shade, but in hot dry climates they have a very narrow tolerance range between getting enough sun and too much sun. Getting morning sun is best, because it is usually cooler in the mornings and there is often dew, then plants can receive sunlight without as much evaporative water loss.

Update! I walked out in the yard and found a ripe caper berry AKA seed pod. It was split open and from what I could tell, there were 5 fresh seeds. I did my research, found one method of growing them that I liked, and yesterday I planted them after they had been in the fridge for 2 weeks. I was surprised to find there were about 10 seeds, so since i had prepared 6 sleeves, some sleeves got 2 seeds. The goal here is 6 plants. One plant is NOT enough for a jar of capers! If 2 sprout in one sleeve, I will sacrifice one by cutting it off. I got my planting sleeves on Amazon. They disintegrate in the soil so the roots will grow out of them and not be disturbed during planting. Evidently Capers do NOT like their roots disturbed! Here is the open pod I found: And the planting process. I used one of those containers mushrooms come in at the grocery store. My planting medium is a sterile damp mix of perlite and vermiculite also purchased at Amazon. Seeds are in there, and misted and covered with plastic wrap. I'll update again if any sprout!

If the container mix is right, you'll be off to a very good start. :) I would keep an eye on the plant in the top picture. The new leaves are coming in a little yellowish. It's not uncommon for new leaves to be lighter color, but I'm not familiar with them being that pale. Without knowing the light levels, soil mix and other factors, it would be wrong to tell you what to do at this point. other than keep an eye out. Also, I would have used a smaller pot for the little 'Sunshine Blue' plant. Smaller containers are much easier to keep watered and to move around until you find the optimal location on your lot. Better to pot up in a year or two rather than try to make the plant grow into a larger container. Those are minor nits and comments, because the plant in the bottom picture looks great.

I have a few spray containers of "Garden Safe Insecticidal Soap" - active ingredient is like 1% potassium salts....would that be better? Just discovered the nymphs on more roses so I'd have to buy additional containers - expensive compared to mixing a gallon or two of Sevin. Don't get me wrong, I hate using ANY of this stuff, but neither do I want to lose these roses.