Heron Breen gave me several varieties of blackberry to trial in my zone
3, Minnesota climate. One variety, 'Thibodeau' has turned out to be most
surprising. After I reported that Thibodeau wasn't able to survive my
mildest of Winters (-25 F), I went out to dig up the plants to destroy them.
All buds under the snow-line survived but all (primary) buds above the
snow-line got desiccated in the Winter's drying winds. Before I dug the
first plant, I noticed little green dots along the stems. The secondary
buds, next year's buds, are sprouting. (Deciduous plants produce two sets
of buds).
Well, it looks like Thibodeau will get a reprieve. I shall wait to see
if the secondary buds can survive a normal Minnesota Winter.
Jim Fruth
Brambleberry Farm
Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
For jams, jellies & syrups:
www.bberryfarm.com
(877)265-6856 [Store]
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