Understanding Primocane vs. Floricane: A Comprehensive Guide to Berry Canes

Are you confused when you see terms like fall-bearing or everbearing on the tag of a berry plant you’re considering at the nursery? What about floricanes and primocanes? It can all be a bit overwhelming, but fear not! We are here to provide you with all the information you need to understand the differences and make informed decisions.

What Are Canes?

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First things first, let’s talk about canes. When we refer to “cane berries,” we are talking about plants in the Rubus genus, which includes berries like blackberries, raspberries, and boysenberries. These plants grow canes, which are biennial, long, woody shoots that emerge from the root, crown, or bud of the plant.

Primocane vs. Floricane

Understanding the difference between primocanes and floricanes is crucial. Primocanes are the fresh shoots that arise in the first season, marked by their thick stems and long internodes. These shoots are mainly vegetative but will also form flower buds in the summer and fall for the next year.

On the other hand, floricanes are the same shoots in their second season, with shorter internodes and smaller, darker leaves. These shoots will flower and bear fruit before dying back to the base of the plant.

It’s essential to note that a single plant can have both primocanes and floricanes simultaneously, making it crucial to know how to distinguish between them.

How to Tell the Difference:

Primocanes:
Fresh shoots
Thick stems
Long internodes
Bright green, soft leaves with five leaflets
Floricanes:
Older shoots (second season)
Shorter internodes
Darker leaves with three leaflets
Die back to the base of the plant after fruiting

Primocane-Fruiting Plants

Primocane-fruiting plants produce fruit on the primary year canes, typically yielding berries in the fall. If left unpruned, these plants can flower again on the same canes in the subsequent season. This means they can bear fruit on both primocanes and floricanes, providing a more extended harvest window.

Why Choose Primocane-Fruiting Plants?

They can produce fruit in the first year.
Simplified pruning process.
Don’t require canes to overwinter successfully.
Versatile and efficient fruit production.

Floricane-Fruiting Plants

Floricane-fruiting plants bear fruit in the summer, typically from June to July, from buds formed the previous year. These plants require the canes to overwinter successfully to produce a crop. Pruning these plants can be more complex, as you need to prune out old shoots while retaining a select number for future fruiting.

Advantages of Floricane-Fruiting Plants:

Early fruit availability.
Higher fruit quality compared to some primocane varieties.
Avoidance of potential pest damage.

Examples of Floricane Fruiting Plants:

Salmonberry (R. spectabilis)
Thimbleberry (R. parviflorus)

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the differences between primocanes and floricanes is essential for successful berry cultivation. Whether you opt for primocane-fruiting plants for their extended harvest window or choose floricanes for their early fruit availability, knowing the characteristics of each type can help you make informed decisions for your garden.

What cane berry species do you grow at home? Would you prefer summer- or fall-bearing varieties? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more in-depth information on cane berry care, check out the following guides: