The 'Apache' blackberry plants have been in the ground now for only four months, but they are already establishing an interconnected system of thornless vines which are known as 'primocanes'. These primocanes in Sept. '12 will flower in the Spring of 2013 and be transformed into what is known as 'floricanes'. The flowers in May '13 will be pollinated by bees to produce berries in June. The symbiosis between plant itself (primo-to-flori), insect and fruit is one of the main reasons why I farm organically. This balance between each relationship is truely miraculous and makes me feel fortunate just to be a small part of it.
The 'Apache' blackberry seem to be well adapted to the loamy soil here in the coastal plain of southeastern NC. This picture was taken on Sept. 4th and by the looks of these 6-8ft primocanes, my trellis will have to be installed sooner than I had anticipated.
New Dawn Organics will have a small crop of blackberries to compliment the 2013 blueberry season.
These blackberry primocanes are taller than me in just four short months! Check out the beautiful Carolina blue sky...Go Heels!!
It's obvious to see the erect growth habit of Ouachita, but it's pretty fast growing as well. Only 3-4" when planted in early May, this plant is 12-14" tall now! Although erect, a trellis will be installed this winter to better support the berries next June.
