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Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry

Rubus subgenus Eubatus 'Prime-Ark Freedom'

A game-changing primocane blackberry that produces two crops annually on thornless canes, combining the best of both worlds - convenience and productivity. This University of Arkansas release offers large, firm berries with excellent flavor and the unique advantage of fruiting on first-year canes, extending your harvest season significantly.

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

6–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Moderate

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Harvest

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Prime-Ark Freedom Blackberry · Zones 6–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing3-4 feet in rows 8-10 feet apart

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic content

pH5.8-6.8

Water1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture during fruiting

SeasonPerennial, fruiting summer and fall

FlavorSweet with mild tartness, rich blackberry flavor, firm texture

ColorDeep glossy black

SizeLarge, 1-1.5 inches long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	June – October
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	June – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Fruits vary in size and color with many maturing to black or red. Usually edible but vary in taste and sugar content. They also vary as to when they are available.

Type: Aggregate, Drupe.

Garden value: Edible

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Prime-Ark Freedom berries keep 3-5 days refrigerated at 32-35°F with high humidity. Store unwashed in shallow containers lined with paper towels, covering loosely with plastic wrap. Don't wash until ready to use, as moisture accelerates decay.

For freezing, spread clean berries on parchment-lined baking sheets and freeze individually before transferring to freezer bags - this prevents clumping. Frozen berries maintain quality for 8-10 months. The firm texture of Prime-Ark Freedom makes them excellent for jam-making, as they hold their shape well and have natural pectin. They also dehydrate beautifully - slice lengthwise and dry at 135°F for 12-16 hours for leather-like treats that store for months in airtight containers.

History & Origin

Prime-Ark Freedom was developed by the University of Arkansas breeding program under Dr. John Clark, released in 2013 as part of their revolutionary Prime-Ark series. This variety represents a breakthrough in blackberry breeding, combining the thornless trait with primocane-fruiting ability - a combination previously thought impossible to achieve.

The University of Arkansas has been the leader in blackberry improvement since the 1960s, and Prime-Ark Freedom emerged from crosses involving 'Prime-Jim' and 'Prime-Jan', earlier primocane varieties that had thorns. The breeding program specifically targeted commercial and home growers who wanted extended harvest seasons without the safety concerns of thorned varieties.

The name reflects its 'freedom' from thorns while maintaining the primocane fruiting characteristic. This variety has become increasingly popular among sustainable farmers and home gardeners because it allows for simplified pruning systems and extends fresh berry availability well into fall, filling the gap when summer-bearing varieties finish production.

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Drought
+Attracts: Pollinators, Small Mammals, Songbirds
+Wildlife value: Fruits attract birds. Provides nectar for bees, food for birds and mammals, and thickets provide shelter for small mammals. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Chives

Repels aphids and improves soil health with sulfur compounds

Garlic

Deters aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases naturally

Marigolds

Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Tansy

Repels ants, mice, and various flying pests that damage berries

Yarrow

Attracts predatory insects and improves soil mineral availability

Comfrey

Deep roots mine nutrients and leaves provide potassium-rich mulch

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, edible flowers

Mint

Deters rodents and ants, but plant in containers to prevent spread

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits blackberry root development

Fennel

Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of most nearby plants

Pine Trees

Acidify soil and create dense shade that reduces berry production

Nutrition Facts

Calories

43kcal(2%)

Protein

1.39g(3%)

Fiber

5.3g(19%)

Carbs

9.61g(3%)

Fat

0.49g(1%)

Vitamin C

21mg(23%)

Vitamin A

11mcg(1%)

Vitamin K

19.8mcg(17%)

Iron

0.62mg(3%)

Calcium

29mg(2%)

Potassium

162mg(3%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #173946)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to anthracnose and orange rust

Common Pests

Spotted wing drosophila, aphids, spider mites, cane borers

Diseases

Gray mold, anthracnose, cane blight, double blossom

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Prime-Ark Freedom take to produce fruit?▼

Prime-Ark Freedom produces its first fall crop the same year you plant it, typically 3-4 months after spring planting. The following year, you'll get both a summer crop (June-July) and fall crop (August-October). Plants reach full production capacity by their second year, yielding 5-8 pounds per plant annually under good growing conditions.

Can you grow Prime-Ark Freedom blackberries in containers?▼

Yes, Prime-Ark Freedom grows well in large containers of at least 20-25 gallons with good drainage. Use a quality potting mix and provide a trellis or cage for support. Container plants require more frequent watering and feeding but produce excellent crops. This setup works particularly well for northern gardeners who can move containers to protected areas during harsh winters.

What does Prime-Ark Freedom taste like compared to other blackberries?▼

Prime-Ark Freedom offers a well-balanced sweet-tart flavor with rich, traditional blackberry taste and minimal seeds. The berries are notably firmer than many varieties, with a satisfying texture that holds up well in cooking. The fall crop tends to be slightly more intense in flavor than the summer crop, as cooler temperatures concentrate sugars.

When should I plant Prime-Ark Freedom blackberry canes?▼

Plant bare-root Prime-Ark Freedom canes in early spring, 2-4 weeks before your last frost date when soil can be worked. Container plants can be planted anytime during the growing season but establish best when planted in spring or early summer. Fall planting works in zones 7-9 but should be completed 6-8 weeks before first frost.

Is Prime-Ark Freedom good for beginners?▼

Prime-Ark Freedom is moderately challenging for beginners due to its pruning requirements and need for proper trellising. However, its disease resistance and thornless canes make it more forgiving than many varieties. New growers should focus on learning proper training techniques and consistent watering schedules. The reward of two annual crops makes the learning curve worthwhile.

Prime-Ark Freedom vs Triple Crown blackberry - what's the difference?▼

Prime-Ark Freedom produces two crops annually while Triple Crown only fruits once in summer. Prime-Ark Freedom has a more upright growth habit requiring trellising, whereas Triple Crown has semi-trailing canes. Both are thornless, but Prime-Ark Freedom offers extended harvest season and typically larger individual berries, while Triple Crown is known for exceptional sweetness and easier management.