Was away from home a while last night after making that initial post…(involved in a ministry… sharing the Gospel with Men from a local Drug/Alcohol center)… and when I got back home I emailed Lucile at Whitmanfarms and asked if she had those in stock. As of 8:30 this morning, no reply yet,
It is the weekend, so was not really expecting that.
It says on their website to Call to Order… and it does not mention (M-F) or anything like that.
I may try calling her later this morning… 10–11 am or something like and see if I can order on a Saturday (if she has them).
On Silk Hope Ripening… Raintree says this…
ripens for two months in early summer.
Ripening Time: June-August
But I found another site that says they ripen in May…
I know for sure that ripening time can vary greatly depending on how far north or south you are.
I found a couple youtube vids, and one of the guys said it was early June, and his Silk Hope had been ripening about a week. So in his location looks like they start ripening first of June. Not sure if he was north or south of me though… could not tell.
Edible Landscaping says Silk Hope fruit very similar to Ill Everbearing… and I have one of those already.
Several sites have mentioned that Silk Hope does well in the South East (which is me)… can be hot and humid here.
Edible Landscaping says that IE Mulberry growers in the S/E - some have experienced popcorn disease (not exactly sure what that is)… but sounds like I would be better off with a Silk Hope than a IE.
Looks like Silk Hope, like IE… you would really have to stay on it, pruning wise, to keep the fruit within easy reach.
That is one thing I find really attractive about Gerardi… no problems with that. Fruiting in reach with no pruning required (height wise).
If I do end up getting one or both of these… I will let you know from where…
Thanks
TNHunter