shrub

Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry

Rubus 'Prime-Ark Freedom'

The Story

Plant Bio

A revolutionary blackberry that is both thornless and primocane-fruiting. This means it can produce fruit on first-year canes (primocanes) in late summer/fall, as well as on second-year canes (floricanes) in early summer.

As the first thornless primocane-fruiting blackberry, 'Prime-Ark Freedom' offers the potential for two crops per year. It produces very large, flavorful berries early in the primocane season.

Uses & Benefits:

The plant's ability to flower and fruit late into the season provides extended interest in the edible garden. Its large flowers and berries are attractive.

Offers an incredibly long harvest season, with the potential for fresh blackberries from early summer until the first frost. The thornless canes make all maintenance tasks simple and pain-free.

Provides a late-season source of nectar and pollen for pollinators when other sources may be scarce. Fruit is a food source for birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Average

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Cultivated hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early fall

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with excellent drainage.
Incorporate plenty of organic matter into the soil.
Set up a trellis before or at the time of planting.
Plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot.
Space plants 4-5 feet apart to ensure good air circulation.
Water in well and apply a thick layer of mulch.

Pro Tip

In zones 4-5, manage for a single fall crop by mowing all canes to the ground in late winter. This avoids winter damage to floricanes.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Decide on your pruning strategy: one crop (fall) or two crops (summer/fall).
Provide ample water and nutrients to support the heavy fruit production.
Trellis the canes to keep fruit clean and make harvesting easier.
Harvest berries frequently as they ripen.

Don't

Don't let the soil become waterlogged.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the season.
Don't neglect pruning, as the plant can become an unmanageable thicket.
Avoid planting in sites with known Verticillium wilt or crown gall issues.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Prune
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Innovative addition to the home orchard for a long harvestContainer-grown blackberry for patio fruit productionA must-have for blackberry enthusiasts in colder climates

Companion Plants

Comfrey Borage Yarrow Clover Tansy

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry questions

What zones can Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry grow in?

Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry deer resistant?

Yes — Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry bloom?

Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry typically blooms in late spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry need full sun?

Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry does best in full sun (6+ hours).