ARE PONCA BLACKBERRIES REALLY THAT SWEET?

[@rajeke]

First year eating the poncas and HOLY SHIT they’re delicious. Almost like a Concord grape. I suddenly don’t care about freedoms or triple crown anymore. PONCA IS KING

[@BIGALTX]

Ha ha ha… They are really good!

[@Hatfield_Country]

Now I want blackberry cobbler and vanilla ice cream lol

[@BIGALTX]

YOU AND ME BOTH!! I haven't had one yet this year :(

[@Hatfield_Country]

@@BIGALTX I need to start me some blackberries this fall. If I was only going to grow one variety which would you recommend?

[@BIGALTX]

@@Hatfield_Country It's hard to beat the Prime Ark Freedom berries. BUT... if you are in the north, they won't handle the hard freezes very well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYO3gWWwrLihppo

[@jeffkimble8857]

I grow blackberries at my home near Charlotte NC and also have some growing in the mountains of Virginia. Like you I have found the Freedoms struggle in the cold. I lost 50-60% of my plants, and they were killed back into the crown and the plants died. I had some damage on Ouachita and a tiny bit on Kiowa but nothing like what happened to the Freedoms. I exchanged a few emails with Dr Clark talking about this issue with the Freedoms. I think the Freedoms will do fine here in NC but the Zone 6 planting in VA may have to switch to all Kiowa and Ouachita. I have planted my first Poncas and am anxious to see how they winter. I appreciate your channel. I have now amassed 50+ tubs and have started assembling them to make the move to containers. I see you have a little spurge growing in yours but containers have to be way better about keeping out the Bermuda and other weeds 😊

[@BIGALTX]

You bet. *NO Bermuda* at all. A few other weeds are blown in or crapped in by birds. A nice layer of mulch would even prevent most of that. I wish you well on your containers. I really like mine :)

[@moon699ik5]

I have a place in N.C. and I'm thinking about planting some blackberrys.Who is Dr. Clark?

[@jeffkimble8857]

@@moon699ik5 he is the professor who ran the blackberry program at Univ of Arkansas who created most of different varieties of blackberries on the market.

[@BIGALTX]

So, are the Ponca Blackberries as sweet as they are reported to be? Wonder no more! Let me tell you what I've found, and give you some tips to look for and questions to ask when deciding which variety of blackberries to plant on your property. alan Check out my Website. I've written dozens of articles pertaining to all areas of homesteading and self sufficiency. Here's the link: homesteadadvisor.com/

[@rehoboth_farm]

I've noticed that my Kiowa will fruit a little on the primacanes. They are also very large. I've wondered if they were in the genetic pool that they developed the primeark from. Of course Kiowa are THORNY. I really like the Ponca too. I've got a couple plants.

[@PhilippeFernandez]

I am in Missouri we had a real feel freeze of -25 and all my leaves stayed on nothing died. however, my plants are in the ground

[@BIGALTX]

That’s amazing. I think the Ponca blackberries are much more cold tolerant than the Primark freedom berries

[@dalemccorkle4809]

I greatly appreciate your videos and observations. As a commercial grower, I have been experimenting with the different varieties of blackberries, and I have reached the same conclusions you reached. There is, however, something that makes a huge difference in the quality of a Ponca blackberry, which I want to call your attention to. Specifically, if we pick Ponca blackberries soon after they turn black, we won't harvest the sweetest, tastiest berries. Instead, I recommend that we wait until the druplets are about to burst with juice before picking the berries. If, when looking at an individual berry, the drupes have what appear to be tiny dimples in them, then they aren't yet full of juice. But if we wait an additional day or two before picking, the size and weight of that same berry will sometimes double, and it's wonderfully juicy. And, best of all, the flavor of this fully ripened berry is considerably better!

[@BIGALTX]

Wow, that is a great observation. I'll look closer when I pick (may have to bring my glasses) and test your theory. Thanks so much! So, you use Ponca in a commercial application?

[@TheSHOP411]

Thank you. I bought one Ponca this year. Hopefully I can propagate off of it. You really know your Black Berry stuff

[@BIGALTX]

The Poncas are nice. Thanks for the kind words 👍😎

[@TheSHOP411]

@@BIGALTX all the good KZbinrs have something they can call their own. For certain yours is black berry horticulture and your knowledge of wicking grow containers. You by far excel on KZbin with those niches.

[@BIGALTX]

@@TheSHOP411 Well, thanks so much. It IS appreciated :)

[@keyphabenyisrael3219]

I really enjoyed watching this! Based on all the blackberry research I've done I'm pretty certain I want start off getting a marionberry cane to add to our collection, but looking at your Ponca canes I may have to get one of these too! I love the idea of having humongous blackberries, but I value flavor over size and even prolific production.

[@BIGALTX]

Yep, these definitely have the PAFs beat on flavor. But the size of the PA Freedoms will definitely impress folks! 👍😎

[@michaelschaffer2857]

I have been trying to decide which variety to plant and I believe you have helped me decide. Thank you. If you decide to sell some cuttings please put me on the list.

[@BIGALTX]

Sorry, I can't sell them They are all patented... not legal for me to sell

[@DeanFamilyAcres]

This is our first year with thornless varieties. PA Freedom, PA traveler, Ponca and Ouachita. Our issue has been deer. 🤦‍♂️

[@BIGALTX]

I think that's what I would do too. A few T posts and cattle panels would work great. OR... *HOT WIRE* . I'm a big believer in Hot Wires. Deer hate them!

[@DeanFamilyAcres]

@@BIGALTX leaning towards a few hot wires. 😫

[@amsohn1]

Thanks Alan, yet another good video. We appreciate your wisdom and knowledge Blessings

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks, Grams The Ponca berries surprised me with their productivity.

[@rogerscheuermann4409]

Do you continue to pinch off the tops through out the year when they get over 4-5 feet in my trellis? I have first year Prime Ark Freedom plants (6). They did not do much this first year. Bare root plants. They are getting tall and full but no berries. Any ideas 💡? My plants in self wicking containers. Used 1 lb of 10-10-10 in February. Use 10-30-20 soluble fertilizer. Help me, I want PAF plants like yours..... I think I have seen every BB video. Keep them coming, appreciated.

[@BIGALTX]

Yes, I try not to let mine get over 4 feet or so. If they get too tall, they might break when they are full of berries (from the weight) You can probably fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks till fall Using water soluble usually won't burn them. I use about 2-3 TBS per tub when I fertilize You may or may not get any berries this year. Right now in TX it's too hot for them to bloom and set fruit

[@rogerscheuermann4409]

@@BIGALTX thanks for the information, greatly appreciated.

[@MrDuffy81]

My brother just gave me a black raspberry plant. I’m very very excited about it. We used to pick wild black raspberries in New Hampshire and they are unlike any other raspberry I have ever eaten. They have a very unique flavor that I have experienced with no other fruit and I cannot wait to grow these.

[@keyphabenyisrael3219]

Blackcap raspberries grow wild here in Michigan too. We had them in our yard growing up, so I was sure to start my own patch (Allen black raspberries) when I started my garden. Our canes are loaded this year, and it shouldn't be long now before they start ripening up. As good as blackberries taste, black raspberries are on a whole other level, but TexasPrepper2 makes me really *really* want to add some blackberry canes to the food forest LOL.

[@MrDuffy81]

@@keyphabenyisrael3219 Just be careful because they will take over. My brother planted them at a residential property and the entire north side of the house was covered with blackberries that you’ve just could not get rid of. I tried and they came back so we just enjoyed them until he moved.

[@BIGALTX]

They WILL That's why I have them in containers. They ain't goin' anywhere! 👍😎

[@BIGALTX]

I don't think I've ever tried a black raspberry.. thanks for the info

[@MrDuffy81]

@@BIGALTX I planted one in Richland Springs. Don’t know if it’s still alive or not.

[@jeremyb251]

I just bought some potted PAF plants today, June 12, about 30” tall and am in South Alabama. When can I expect berries?

[@BIGALTX]

I would think they will start bearing pretty soon. IF, those are the primocanes. In other words, if those are first year canes. If they are LAST years’s canes, (depending upon where you live), they will probably have already produced fruit. If so, they may die… But new canes should replace them and start coming up. Just be patient and watch them and see what they do. You may have berries pretty soon… We shall see.

[@gwaynel8363]

How are the blackberries planted in the earthboxes doing? I would like to use earthboxes on some berries but I'm concerned about the size of the earthbox. Thanks and all the best from Greensboro NC.

[@BIGALTX]

Actually, I gave the BB plant that was in an EB to my neighbor. He planted it in the ground and gave me the EB back. It did ok, but I admit I didn't nurture it like I have the tubs. It was kinda off by itself and a little bit neglected. I think they do better in wicking tubs, but will also do fine in EBs

[@CE-cz7il]

So glad you came clean on the Prime Ark Freedom. Even Dr. Clark admitted there were better berries than that one. 😂😂 I planted one and decided to let the birds have them. I saw a bird pick one then immediately spit it out. They would eat my Quachita's, Osage, Ponca, Arapaho and Traveler but they would not devour the Freedom.

[@BIGALTX]

Hmmmm... That's interesting I still like the PAF's but this year may be poor... video to follow

[@Southernson-dy5nq]

I’ve been looking forward to your Ponca taste test. Glad to see they have met your approval. God Bless.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks so much!

[@SeanCarney-ww9jh]

I am wondering what guage of wire you are using for your trellis system? Also, you appear to be running two lines of trellis per row. How far apart are those trellis from each other?

[@BIGALTX]

All should be explained in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqTRlJhthM6DoK8

[@sarar371]

I planted a couple blackberry plants this year,my first time ever growing berries. I wanted to plant the Ponca but they was sold out everywhere. So maybe next year I’ll luck up and get some. I have so much to learn on how to take care of them.

[@beverlyboyce1041]

I got mine from Ison's

[@BIGALTX]

Watch my BB videos. I pretty much cover every aspect of growing BBs

[@johnanderson3405]

I ordered 5 Ponca bare roots and planted them in the spring. They really thrived when the ground temperature came up. Now I’m beginning to wonder if they really are Ponca. The canes are a little thin and seem semi erect. Guess time will tell when they fruit next season. 🤷‍♂️

[@BIGALTX]

Some varieties don’t really get “erect” till the 2nd year. Be patient.

[@johnanderson3405]

@@BIGALTX Thanks for replying. Greatly appreciated.

[@tonygalli380]

How to sweeten my blackberry organic

[@BIGALTX]

I’m really not sure. The sweetness of the blackberries typically determined by the variety. However, you may try some lime. The pH needs to be around 6.5 to 7.0. That might help the sweetness, but I’m not sure.

[@jerryfuqua3781]

Do you have problem with birds?

[@BIGALTX]

Well, probably a little bit of a bird problem, but it doesn’t seem to be major. Maybe it’s because I have plenty of berries. If I only had a few plants, then maybe I would recognize my bird damage more.

[@monkeymommy778]

Yes, the same thing happened to our floricanes with the PrimeArk Freedom blackberries. We are in Zone 8b/9a and had a late season freeze for just a few hours.

[@dannpd1955]

Do the Floracanes on the Ponca die after fruiting the second year?

[@BIGALTX]

The Floricanes on Ponca die after pruning every year. As far as I know, all floricanes die after fruiting. Ponca blackberries are a floricane variety. They are not primocane.

[@dannpd1955]

@@BIGALTX thank you for your reply kind sir. Wish you the best in what’s coming.

[@IAMGiftbearer]

Where do you buy the Ponca variety?

[@BIGALTX]

Try Bob Wells Nursery (Use TP2 as Discount Code) Nourse Farms (online) Stark Brothers 3 folks that I’ve used. They all may be sold out… Don’t know. Also, summer is not a good time to plant berries or anything else. It would be best to wait till fall or spring. Fall if you are in the south. Spring if are in the north.

[@MrDuffy81]

The best blackberries in the entire country are growing in New Hampshire, along the Massachusetts border, but they are guarded by Sasquatch. They don’t have one bit of sourness to them. They are amazing but you are risking your life going after them.

[@BIGALTX]

Uhhhhh... don't want to do THAT 😎

[@lakenrodriguez3797]

I have a question if I may I have 2 year old Ponca blackberry plant 5 of them we are in south Louisiana and we have them in a raised bed the problem we are having is they are flowering but not producing and yours has way more leaves than ours we also have ours on an irrigation system and fertilize what would you say more we could do?

[@BIGALTX]

Might be pollination They have to have Bees to pollinate or they will not make berries :( Mine aren't looking good this year Will probably do a video next week

[@lakenrodriguez3797]

@TexasPrepper2 oh no do you think because the hard freeze killed a lot of the bees and that would be wonderful if you could do a video thanks I just subscribed:)

[@BIGALTX]

I think the late freeze got many of my blooms Video soon

[@KenJohnsonUSA]

I bought mama a PrimeArk Freedom...near impossible to get here in Florida with our regulations. I may get a Ponca for myself. I make meads...and a blackberry hydromel sounds really tasty on a cool 97°F day.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... let me know how it turns out! 👍😎

[@rajeke]

Love your channel buddy. Your accent just screams WISDOM. If I may offer a suggestion? Look into the lens and not at yourself on the screen. Makes it seem like ur taking to us and not watching yourself. Again, I LOVE THE CHANNEL. Just being constructive

[@BIGALTX]

Hahaha... well, I've been told my accent screams a LOT of things... but NEVER WISDOM...! You made my day. thanks! And thanks for the tips!

[@clarkwheeler8764]

You're sounding a lot like Dr. Clark---THEY'RE ALL GOOD. Let us know how this 100+ hot spell does to the vines and berries. How much/often will you be watering?

[@BIGALTX]

I water most every day. They don't get "dry" but I just don't take a chance. I'm probably running water out of the tubs and on to the ground... but better safe than sorry

[@ardgeighw5174]

I grow Freedom south of San Antonio. I find that they tolerate the heat well enough. Last year we had a record-hot summer and my single first-year plant still gave me a few hundred berries, all of excellent quality.

[@BIGALTX]

I've also found they really like the heat. Good to know you've seen the same thing. Thanks for sharing

[@delanaespinoza]

How large are the blue and brown tubs?

[@BIGALTX]

The blue tubs are about 20” tall and 20” in diameter. Around 18-20 gallons I think

[@delanaespinoza]

@@BIGALTX thank you for your reply!

[@thomasgrady9292]

We grow Ponca And Ouachita and the first year the berries were 2X the size of yours almost as large as our triple crowns which were huge! maybe it was the fertilizer we gave them not sure and they are in the ground around 300 total...All 3 were very sweet Going to remove the Trible Crowns and plant more Ponca Were located in Fresno California

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know... thanks for sharing!

[@debbiewilson6527]

I'm in zone 8 ,Parker co. Tx., where do I buy Ponca blackberry vines. Do any variety of cherry s grow here?

[@BIGALTX]

I get mine at Bob Wells Nursery. He's in Mineola TX bobwellsnursery.com/ I would recommend the Prime Ark Freedom berries. They are not as sweet, but I think they are more prolific BWN gives a 10% discount for my viewers. Use "TP2" at checkout for the discount

[@alwyzDTF]

I wonder if someone is pursuing further breeding projects with 'Ponca' to get some size on the berries...

[@BIGALTX]

Probably, but if they do, they will call it by another name

[@jerrywilson1775]

How many pounds on average do you get frm the different varieties? Like per every 10 tubs.

[@BIGALTX]

Not sure. I'm going to give a total at the end of the season, but I would say well over a gallon per plant... probably 2 gallons

[@lorenbush8876]

Did you use the steel electric fence wire or the aluminum? I've got some bailing twine but I was thinking it might not be stiff enough to hold up much weight. Thanks man I hope you have a great growing season.

[@BIGALTX]

I use the galvanized steel: amzn.to/3mPkXi7 I have some of the aluminum, but it doesn't seem to be as strong

[@HealthyLivingWithWendy]

I want to but I just haven't done it yet try to learn the difference. Thank you for sharing 💟

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for watching, Wendy!

[@VonFej61]

Just tipped my Freedoms, and bought 10 Ponca. I hope they turn out as sweet as you say.

[@BIGALTX]

They are definitely sweeter than the freedoms. But they are pretty small sometimes. The freedoms produce huge berries. So there are pluses and minuses to both of them.

[@tambrasmith9707]

Those are awesome ...I made 2 cobblers from my one prime ark freedom plant this year...

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... 2 cobblers from ONE plant... fantastic!

[@josephmcgee8450]

Where do you find your tubs I would like purchase 50 tubs

[@BIGALTX]

Wicking Tubs: Here's how to get them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ2kgJ9vbpqGl7M Here's how to make them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5jYf6KNhZ2SotU Here's my "Hybrid" tub: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJLHeXWXo5xgeKs

[@billyjones8706]

I am having a problem with rust on my ponca's im not sure why might be the very wet spring ' they get a lot of shade in the afternoon to. the taste is great. hoping for better crop next year thanks for another great video

[@BIGALTX]

My Freedoms are rusting more than the Poncas, but I will give them a good look tomorrow to make sure

[@matthewdame6876]

I have been waiting for this ^_^ mine had one on the starter cane but a bird got it >_< waiting for next year.

[@BIGALTX]

I think I got ONE last year too...

[@Amyas80s]

I am hoping to try them this year, birds got the few my only cane had last year.

[@BIGALTX]

Try covering them with bird netting if possible: amzn.to/40gsJ63

[@antiowarr9467]

TP was wondering do you have any Black Berry plants that are the way God made them, what I mean not manipulated by man to grow bigger or faster or less flavor. I had Blue Berries that this was done to, from a friend of mind, big luscious LOOKING berry that you would think blow ur mind, but what a disappointment in flavor, very little flavor, but he was impressed because they were big and the bush grew lots. For me if the flavor is not there why put it in ur mouth, I eat for flavor and nutrition in that order. Do you grow any Natural berries? Cheers

[@BIGALTX]

I don't. They are native around here. They are actually called "dew berries". I haven't picked any in a long time, so I don't remember their taste profile. The Ponca's would be hard to beat even from an "heirloom" type variety. Also, the newer berries are probably more disease resistant... not sure

[@antiowarr9467]

@@BIGALTX Good info thx.

[@cynthiaedwards5149]

Our blackberries (which I don't know the variety) are working overtime! Even though I did not get to prune them appropriately this year they are still not disappointing. I've already had 1 cobbler made and my husband wants me to try making some jelly or wine. I wish I knew what variety they are. My husband's parents bought and planted these about 20 years ago from South Arkansas from a nursery. Yes they do have thorns , but they make huge berries. And they have an Indian name. I will pick a few that are still just a little red left. I do enjoy some of that tartness.

[@BIGALTX]

Nice. Watch my blackberry jelly video!

[@cynthiaedwards5149]

@@BIGALTX I sure will thank youvforbthe references to it

[@TomA-pt7en]

Double berry if Prime Ark Freedom sets fruit in high temperature. Thank you for the Ponca review! They may improve more as the ripening season continues. I'm also a fan of Osage Blackberry flavor.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the info!

[@PeterSchultheiss-u1l]

Plus, the Osage has a pretty pink flower!

[@luaporetsua595]

The fruits really looks delicious! Does grow in tropical c0untry like here in the Philippines? I hope we have those varieties

[@BIGALTX]

I think it would do well in the Philippines. You would have to keep the fungus under control because of the humidity. Blackberries love the heat, so it would be worth a try

[@BIGALTX]

And... Greetings from Texas!! 😎

[@UkrainianHazelnutPecanWalnut]

It's wonderful!))

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks!

[@carlschnackel3051]

I live in the Dallas, TX, area. On Saturdays, there is a gardening show on one of the radio stations, with a master gardener as the MC? (I'm not sure what you call the DJ for a gardening show.) Anyway, about a week ago he was talking about blackberries, and I was listening intently. I called in to the show to get some advice on getting cuttings to root, since I'd purchased some "Columbia Giant" cuttings from a grower in Pennsylvania. He advised me to, instead, select from among the varieties that already do well down here, like Kiowa, Ouachita, etc. As much as I would love to see how well those giant berries would have done here, I had to admit the wisdom of what he advised (especially since he also lives here in the Metroplex) -- which is one of the reasons I'm such an avid listener to your advice. One other thing that he said that rang a bell with me was that the thornless varieties usually have a lower yield than the thorny varieties. Would you agree with that statement?

[@BIGALTX]

The thorned berries MIGHT have better production... but from someone that had 700' of them a few years back, I'll never have any more thorned berries. Not worth the pain... literally... pain! And yes, always try to buy from local nurseries if you can... and check the A&M extension website for what does well in your area

[@carlschnackel3051]

@@BIGALTX I don't have my hands in the bushes nearly as much as you do, since I've only got about 20 plants. If I was handling the canes anywhere near as often as you do, I'm sure I would agree with you about "not worth the pain".

[@MikeDawson1]

I'm trialing 35+ varieties here in Dallas, in containers... as you can tell I had trouble deciding which one get so I got them all :)

[@gvas7560]

Thank you for sharring. I am going to be looking for Panca Blackberry plant now. I was waiting for you to share this video 😂 I wanted to know whi h o es where the sweetest. Keep up the good work God bless you

[@lindayoung6882]

Nourse Farms carries them

[@BIGALTX]

My pleasure 😊

[@BIGALTX]

I've got a lot of plants years ago from Nourse. Good folks I wouldn't plant until fall if you are in the south.

[@privilegednpc]

You ever grow the Darrow variety?

[@BIGALTX]

No, I've never heard of that one before. I'll check it out

[@lelandshanks4759]

I bet in wine you can't tell lol.

[@BIGALTX]

Hahaha... maybe not! 😎

[@SonniesGardenPA]

Looks nice and healthy!

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks, Sonnie! 😎

[@blackfam972]

You need to try the Prime Ark traveler and Prime Ark Blackgem

[@BIGALTX]

I tried Traveler, but was not impressed. I haven't heard of the Blackgem... I'll check them out, thanks!

[@blackfam972]

@@BIGALTX blackgem is sold by stark bros

[@MikeDawson1]

@@blackfam972 I just planted a Starks Black Gem, didn't realize it was a "Prime Ark" variety

[@blackfam972]

@@MikeDawson1 yep says in a video on the stark bros black gem info sales page

[@floatingwingfarms1156]

where do you get the tubs?

[@BIGALTX]

Wicking Tubs: Here's how to get them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ2kgJ9vbpqGl7M Here's how to make them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5jYf6KNhZ2SotU Here's my "Hybrid" tub: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJLHeXWXo5xgeKs

[@floatingwingfarms1156]

@@BIGALTX Thank you!

[@jimlowery3945]

Why did you not tell which were thornless

[@BIGALTX]

ALL of mine are thornless now I've done the "thorned" berry thing... won't ever go back to thorned berries

[@bobfanning6816]

Thanks for what you do. I have been watching your channel for a while now and planted Ouachita based on your work. I am very pleased with the Ouachita. They are doing great. How does the taste of Ponca compare to Ouachita?

[@BIGALTX]

I think Ponca are a little sweeter and more tasty than the Quachita, but really not by much The Quachies are pretty darn tasty