Pruning autumn (Joan J) rasps?

[smallblueplanet]

I'm sure I've been told, but I've forgotten when should Joan J be pruned and how much is left at the base (if anything)? Can the bits pruned off be 'propagated'?

Many thanks.

[Shortie]

Hiya SBP, I think all autumn fruiting ones need to simply be cut down to the ground in Feb. Saying that the winter has been so mild that I'm going to nip out tomorrow and hack mine down

[smallblueplanet]

Thanks Shortie, I think I remember Piggletwillie has done his.

Are you gonna try and propagate the 'cuttings'? What do you think 12" lengths of cane put into a pot, or could you just heal them into the ground to see if they grew?

[PAULW]

SBP
The canes will multiply underground so there is no need to put dead sticks in the ground, in a few years it may be adviseable to dig up the canes and thin then out or they could end up very overcrowded.

[smallblueplanet]

I wanted to give some to our next door neighbours this year though Paul. Don't think they've (yet) multiplied/spread as there was only 5 to start with.

Edit - apologies Paul, OH has just gone to do the dirty deed and they have indeed multiplied.