Key Features of the Kiowa Blackberry:

• Berry Size: The Kiowa variety produces some of the largest blackberries of any variety, with individual berries often reaching up to 3 inches in length. These giant blackberries are known for their rich, sweet flavor with a slight tartness.
• Thorny Canes: Unlike thornless varieties, Kiowa has thorns on its canes, which makes care and harvesting slightly more challenging, but the large berry size and excellent flavor make it worth the effort.
• Harvest Time: Kiowa blackberries have an extended harvest period, usually from mid-June to early August, making it one of the longest fruiting blackberry varieties available. This long harvest window allows for a steady supply of fruit over the summer months.
• Flavor: The berries have a sweet-tart flavor, perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.

Benefits:

• Large Berries: Kiowa is known for producing the largest blackberries, which are great for fresh eating, desserts, and preserves. Their impressive size is a standout feature.
• Long Harvest Season: The extended harvest period allows you to enjoy fresh berries for several weeks, unlike other varieties that may have a shorter fruiting window.
• High Yield: This variety is known for its abundant fruit production, offering a generous yield of large, plump berries each season.

Care and Maintenance:

• Sunlight: Kiowa blackberries thrive in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruiting and growth.
• Soil: They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal.
• Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods and while the plants are establishing. Deep watering helps promote healthy root development and better fruit production.
• Pruning: Prune out the canes that have already borne fruit (floricanes) after harvest, as they will not produce fruit again. New canes (primocanes) will grow in their place and bear fruit the following year. Pruning is also important to encourage better airflow and sunlight penetration.
• Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and fruit development.

Growth Habit:

• Semi-Erect Growth: The canes of the Kiowa blackberry have a semi-erect growth habit. They may benefit from being trellised or supported, especially as they grow taller and bear heavy fruit. Supporting the canes can make harvesting easier and improve air circulation around the plant.
• Thorny Canes: Kiowa blackberry canes have sharp thorns, so wearing gloves and protective clothing is recommended when pruning or harvesting to avoid injury.

Harvest and Use:

• Harvest Time: Kiowa blackberries have an extended fruiting season, with the first berries ready to pick in mid-June, and the harvest lasting into early August. The berries should be picked when fully black and easily come off the canes.
• Fresh Eating: The large, juicy blackberries are excellent for fresh eating, offering a sweet-tart flavor that’s refreshing and delicious.
• Culinary Uses: Kiowa blackberries are versatile and great for baking into pies, cobblers, and tarts. They’re also excellent for making jams, jellies, sauces, and syrups. Because of their size and firmness, they freeze well for later use.
• Preserving: The rich flavor and large size of Kiowa berries make them perfect for canning or making homemade preserves.

Pollination:

• Self-Pollinating: Kiowa blackberries are self-pollinating, meaning they do not require another variety nearby to set fruit. However, having multiple plants can lead to better yields.

Environmental Benefits:

• Pollinator Support: Like other blackberry varieties, Kiowa produces white, spring-blooming flowers that attract pollinators such as bees. The flowers are essential for fruit set and help support local pollinator populations.
• Wildlife Habitat: The berries provide food for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Blackberry thickets also offer shelter and nesting sites for animals.

The Kiowa Blackberry is a great choice for gardeners looking for a high-yielding, large-fruited variety with an extended harvest season. Though its thorny canes require care when handling, the massive, flavorful berries make it a favorite for fresh eating, cooking, and preserving. This variety is ideal for those who want a steady supply of delicious blackberries throughout the summer months.