Prime-Ark Freedom Thornless Blackberry

Prime-Ark Freedom is a completely thornless, primocane-fruiting blackberry capable of producing fruit on first-year canes. In suitable conditions it can provide an early crop from overwintered floricanes and a later crop from new primocanes, or it can be managed as a simpler single fall crop by cutting all canes to the ground in winter. The berries are very large, glossy black, and flavorful. In the hottest Southern weather, the late crop may be smaller or less consistent, so dependable water and good air circulation are important. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Rubus subgenus Rubus 'APF-153T' PRIME-ARK® FREEDOM PP26,990
• Sun: Full sun
• USDA zones: 5–9
• Mature size: 4–6 ft with annual tipping tall × 3–4 ft wide
• Chill requirement: Low to moderate; primocane crop does not rely on overwintered fruiting canes
• Pollination: Self-fertile; bee activity improves fruit development
• Bloom: Spring on floricanes and summer on first-year primocanes
• Harvest: Potential early-summer floricane crop plus late-summer/fall primocane crop
• Fruit: Very large, glossy black berries with very good flavor; quality of the fall crop can decline in extreme heat
• Water: Consistent moisture with good drainage
• Growth habit: Vigorous, erect, completely thornless primocane-fruiting blackberry
• Pruning and training: For one fall crop, cut all canes to the ground in winter; for two crops, retain healthy canes and remove only spent sections
• Uses: Edible garden, berry row, home orchard, fresh eating and preserves
• Wildlife value: Flowers support bees; birds may take ripe fruit

Plant size, harvest timing and performance vary with climate, rootstock where applicable, soil, pruning and care.