Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

The fruit is about the size of a thimble, and if the plants are left to themselves for several years, they get as big around as my thumb, and almost 8 feet tall. I hate the damned things. In the fall, they draw the bears in too.

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

Gads, doesn't anyone read?

I invited RICHARD to put up a FREE site since he's so dead set AGAINST the folks he read a riot act about who MAKE MONEY off their site? He didn't like that they make money, but HIS site sells stuff too!

Also, Richard your page isn't in the same universe as the one you condemned in quality or content, I hope you can live with your own commercial interests. So GIVE AWAY stuff and you'll feel better.

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

If the berries are as big as my thumb (which isn't small) and taste decent, you're missing a great fundraising/marketing opportunity for your forest. Go through the red tape to sell starts. Figure out a great name for your variety and do it. Berry lovers can deal with thorns and will if picking a pint doesn't require 4 hours. Seriously, do it.

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

The berries are the size of a thimble. It's the stems that get that big, LOL.

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

How big is your thimble? Thimble Sizing (I had no idea there were sizes.)

This discussion is much more fun than someone with 6 posts attacking a longstanding member...

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

Hah, that's a loaded question!

I had no idea there were different sizes either. :confused:

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

It's possible we've now derailed this thread--or I have. (Just for the record I am a huge fan of seeds that grow without great effort; I'm a very lazy gardener.)

Perhaps I should have clarified that berries from my beloved "killer thorn" blackberry (I took starts to Ohio but lost them) were between 1 and 1 1/4" long and about 1/2 to 3/4" in diameter. Is your thimbleful close?

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

No, they're the berry native to Appalachia; about the size of a hazelnut.

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

Okay, I'm back from researching hazelnut sizes. :ha: (Heavens do you not own a tape measure?) Sounds like typical wild ones. How do they taste? If they're in poor soil they would probably benefit from enhanced care. I'm guessing red clay there; sand here but fortunately I get free compost from the dump--have to load and haul it but it's pretty good stuff.

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

They are 102 miles away, and I do not own a tape measure that is over 100'. :0519:

I am up there seasonally, as weather permits, and it's a long commute.

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

Okay, so where is your forest? I assumed near you. I graduated from UNC-A ages ago--is that near where your trees are located? (I honestly couldn't tell from your site.) And if there are berries on those bushes now then I'll drive up and get some. And some ramps if you got them.

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

The location is deliberately vague. It was still confidential when the site went up almost 15 years ago, but it's become so well known now that a lot of people can figure out the general location. Both Stokes and Surry counties claim it in their tourism and Chamber websites, LOL.

I'll give you a big hint though, the Sauratown mountain chain runs from Pilot Mtn. to Hanging Rock Mountain, and it backs up against 8,000 acres of undisturbed habitat.

The berries ripen in August, if I remember correctly. I'm never up there then, as it's too hot and humid, and there is no electricity for half a mile to run AC.

Re: Germinating hard to start seeds
 

I looked at Eden as a place to start a fig empire when I was still growing them. Actually I was looking at a little west of Eden just to be contrary. Your trees are just below VA it seems. Interesting.