$.69 Berry "Plants" Too Good to be True?

Michigan_Nick

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While on my last run to the outdoor garden center I saw various fruit "plants" marked 90% off. I put plants in quotations because it more closely resembles a stick (see photos). I read up on dormant stages of berry plants like these and have a basic understanding with how that works. I have the full intention that these are dead but thought I would try to revive them. One is a Heritage Raspberry the other a Triple Crown Blackberry. Are these or aren't they in dormant state and how can I spark some growth? Thanks!

-Nick
 

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sumi

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I bought (rescued) some from a store here a few weeks ago, @ €1.50 a piece I was willing to take the chance. One made it, the other is hanging in there. I just planted them out and keep them wet. I have good soil, so I figured if they can, they'll make it and :fl
 

Michigan_Nick

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Oh that's great Sumi! Same kind of scenario then. I have a decent mix of soil I put together and am trying to grow them in containers. If I can revive them from the dead then awesome! If not I'm only out $.69 or €.59 haha. Any fertilizer or "foods" you've fed it with to help it a bit?
 

sumi

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The ones I bought have been wrapped in plastic with a bit of soil and stuffed in carton boxes. Heaven only knows how long they went without water :( I bought them out of pity as much as wanting some more berries in the garden. The one looks like it's going to make it (it's still alive and it's been about a month now). I didn't fertilise them or gave them anything apart from water. My soil is quite rich and I figured that should be enough to help them. Root space, good soil, water, sunlight and :fl
 

sumi

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Oh, I also bought a raspberry cane from a garden centre, it came with what looked like a thin, dead stick in the pot. I planted the whole thing as I got it. About a month or so later I spotted some leaves on the "dead stick" :)
 

catjac1975

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While on my last run to the outdoor garden center I saw various fruit "plants" marked 90% off. I put plants in quotations because it more closely resembles a stick (see photos). I read up on dormant stages of berry plants like these and have a basic understanding with how that works. I have the full intention that these are dead but thought I would try to revive them. One is a Heritage Raspberry the other a Triple Crown Blackberry. Are these or aren't they in dormant state and how can I spark some growth? Thanks!

-Nick
If it looks dead-it is.
 

Ridgerunner

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When I got raspberry and blackberry by mail I basically got roots. I planted them about an inch deep and they all sent up shoots. These were not dehydrated but still were nicely moist and limber when I received them. I did not let them dry out.

I don't know what you've done with those yet but I'd probably soak them in water. How long? I don't know, half an hour maybe. Then plant them in damp soil and be patient. I'd keep the soil damp but not wet enough to rot them. At this point what do you have to lose? I'd look more for it to send a new shoot up from the roots tan expect that stalk to send out any leaves. Give it time, it may take a while.

I pretty much agree with Cat, there is not a lot of hope. But you probably have to be an optimist to be a gardener.
 

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