skip to main content

Fruit & Orchards

Prime-Jan Blackberry in my location?

11 years ago

I would like to try a blackberry in my rather harsh environment (CO mountains, zone 5a usually, and quite windy) and was thinking of trying some Prime-Jan plants next spring. They are supposed to be a primocane variety and will fruit on new canes (which is about the only way I usually get berries) and I thought they might work here. But I'd rather not waste time, money and effort on something that will never produce for me.

What do folks think? Any chance of blackberries here from this variety? (I am having some success with the spring bearing primocane raspberries FWIW).

TIA

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

gator_rider2
11 years ago
Prime-Jan Blackberry they produce only once year in your zone they need longer growing season to bear twice in one year you make with Prime-Jan Blackberry on flora canes to fruit. There variety out that new I haven't look into its Prime O Fruiting blackberry. Prime ARK 45 what called in north you mow down canes in fall after fruiting this make act like everbearing raspberry I don't no any nursery that sell these other than Pense in Arkansas there phone/fax number 479.369.2007 you may google Prime ARK 45 find others.
brookw_gw
11 years ago
FWIW, Prime Jim and Jan have been the worst blackberries I've owned. Then again, none of the Arkansas series has performed well in my area. They have neither been flavorful nor productive. I like their upright habit, but their canes have been sparse and brittle despite their thick size. Frankly, I don't like their thorns either. They also didn't double crop as they were touted to do.
Related Discussions
Worried About My Blackberry Canes
Q
Comments (1)
With the insulation, your main danger is voles (mice) girdling the canes. Covered, sub-zero temps should be no problem.
...See More
Blackberries: Chester vs Triple Crown vs Prime-Ark
Q
Comments (21)
Disclaimer: My experience may differ from other people's experience. Generally, a 2-yr plant from a retailer will have its canes pruned back to make it easier to ship and to help it to better establish when it is planted. If the plant was grown in a pot, its root system may throttle back growth to adjust to the available resources. You may also have root circling in the pot which will need some pruning. While you may have fruit next year with a more mature plant, generally the amount of fruit you will get will be minimal. You are essentially buying the root system. Blackberry Fruiting Schedule Spring Y1 -> Blackberry planted in the Spring and grows until frost. Primocane growth limited by immature root system. Spring Y2 -> Baby fruit crop on immature Y1 primocane growth (now called floricanes) but Y2 Primocane growth doubles (bigger plant) Spring Y3 -> Y2 Primocane growth allows full fruit production and Y3 Primocane growth equals Y2 (biggest plant). Fall Y1 -> More mature potted plant (2 yr) planted but minimal primocane growth due to season length. Fall Y2 -> Limited fruit on Y1 primocane growth (now called floricanes) due to pruning; Y2 primocanes growth increases to allow mature yield in Y3. Fall Y3 -> Full fruit yield from Y2 primocanes and full primocane going into Y4.
...See More
Prime Jan blackberry
Q
Comments (2)
There's quite a bit of research going on now regarding the best method to handle these. A lot of work has been done at Orgon State, and I've included the link to the abstract of a Master's Thesis that studied tipping in PrimeJan and PrimeJim. It's probably a bit too late to tip them this year to get the results you want. If you're seeing ANY floral development, it's definitely too late. I'm not sure if any work has been done in a climate like yours, though. The reason this worked in Oregon is because of the long growing season. And, the plants that performed the best were in Haygrove tunnels. I guess I recommend you play around with it a little bit and see what works for you. Here is a link that might be useful: thesis abstract
...See More
Prime-Jim and Prime-Jan
Q
Comments (7)
I planted 25 Prime Jan blackberries and was surprised at the rapid growth. I bought them from Nourse Farms as cultured plugs. The looked like a small tube of roots with two leaves attached. I have picked a few and it seems that there are many that are growing well, but it seems they are a very late to ripen variety. The size is much bigger than I anticipated. I hope that they all ripen before the first frost. The ones I have harvested have been very good. Does anyone have Prime Jim and how do they compare with the Prime Jan? I am thinking of putting in a row of Prime Jim's?
...See More
Kevin Reilly
11 years ago
Confirmed nasty thorns, just okay berries. I have Jim/Jan/Ark. Wish I had just put all thorn less varieties, maybe I'll eventually switch them out. Nice upright growth habit though...
abz5b
11 years ago
If your looking for upright growth and don't mind thorns Chickasaw has performed very well for me. Very productive large berries.
milehighgirl
11 years ago
Steve,

I don't have experience yet with blackberries but I would like to throw out a thought. My experience comes from figs, Chicago Hardy to be exact. I had the same rational when I bought my figs thinking that if it produces on new wood I would get a crop. Unfortunately the new wood does not mature and produce quickly enough in our area. I have gotten some figs to form but never to ripen. This year I have one fig planted outside close to the foundation and well protected, and several in my garage in a tiny space with a heater connected to an outlet that will turn on at 37F. I hope to get some figs this year some how.

I too would like to try blackberries but have decided since they won't survive without protection I might as well protect them and try to get a harvest on the old wood since I know I will not get a harvest on new wood. I ordered Siskiyou as an early ripening type knowing it will have to be protected. It's just an experiment and I wish I could give you some results but I don't have any yet.

Related Stories

KITCHEN APPLIANCES 9 Places to Put the Microwave in Your Kitchen

By Toronto Interior Design Group

See the pros and cons of locating your microwave above, below and beyond the counter

INSPIRING GARDENS From Concrete Lot to Gracious Organic Garden in Seattle

By Kimberley Bryan

Plants, pests and even weeds have a place in this landscape, which offers an edible bounty and a feast for the eyes

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Creative Renters Triumph Over the ‘No Paint’ Rule

By Shannon Malone

Not allowed to paint and limited with nails, a design-minded couple uses furnishings and textiles to make their rooms stand out

REMODELING GUIDES Ranch House Remodel: Installing the Interior Finishes

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Renovation Diary, Part 5: Check in on a Florida remodel as the bamboo flooring is laid, the bathroom tiles are set and more

COLOR 9 Dark Wall Colors to Suit Your Mood

By Becky Harris

Tired of light and airy? Try dark and moody for a change; you may be surprised by the moods these colors inspire

REMODELING GUIDES Renovation Ideas: Playing With a Colonial’s Floor Plan

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Make small changes or go for a total redo to make your colonial work better for the way you live

COLOR Pick-a-Paint Help: How to Quit Procrastinating on Color Choice

By Laura Gaskill

If you're up to your ears in paint chips but no further to pinning down a hue, our new 3-part series is for you

LIFE 11 Tiny Tricks That Make Life a Tad Better

By Natasha Saroca

Make these small tweaks to your home and daily routine, and life will be easier, less rushed and maybe healthier too

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Tips to Maximize Your Whole-House Remodel

By Ventana Construction LLC

Cover all the bases now to ensure many years of satisfaction with your full renovation, second-story addition or bump-out

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Hate Hauling Laundry? Give Dirty Clothes the Chute

By Nicole White Designs Interiors LLC

New project for a new year: Install a quick route to the laundry room

Sponsored

A.I.S. Renovations Ltd.

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County

More Discussions

Advice on planting blueberry plant

9

Peach trees need help!

1

Small pomegranate for container?

1

Whats wrong with my apple tree?

18

beginning fruit or new leaves

6