Doyles Blackberries

Question

I planted six plants last spring.  All but one of the vines, that grew like crazy, are broken off about 6 inches above the crown. The leaves haven’t opened yet, but the little stubs left on the crown are alive. Looks like new buds to me. These were grown on plastic-coated wire, spaced 1 1/2 ft, 4 feet, and 7 feet above the crown. Some leaves last year had some brown spots, but the whole vine seemed ok until fall frost. I am in Zone 5/6, 100 miles south of St. Louis.

Answer 1

Yes, the buds on the crown will grow into new canes. It may not fruit this year due to the canes being broken, but it should start fruiting again next year if the new canes are protected.