Blackberry Prime Ark Traveler Thornless

Description: The Blackberry Prime Ark Traveler Thornless is a deciduous perennial plant that produces large, sweet berries on thornless canes. The berries are typically dark purple to black when ripe and have a rich, sweet flavor. This cultivar is known for its extended fruiting season, often producing two crops per year: an early summer crop on the previous year's canes (primocanes) and a late summer or fall crop on new canes (floricanes). The plant features compound leaves with serrated edges and small white flowers that bloom in spring.

Size: Blackberry Prime Ark Traveler Thornless can reach a mature height of around 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) and a similar spread. The canes are typically sturdy and upright, requiring some support to prevent them from drooping under the weight of the fruit. However, the exact size of the plant may vary depending on growing conditions and cultural practices.

Best Growing Zones: Blackberry Prime Ark Traveler Thornless thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9. It prefers regions with mild winters and moderate summers, although it can tolerate a wide range of climates. It's important to note that blackberries, including Prime Ark Traveler Thornless, require a certain amount of chilling hours during the winter to stimulate flowering and fruit production.

Soil Requirements: Blackberry Prime Ark Traveler Thornless prefers well-drained soil with good fertility and a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soil, as long as it provides adequate drainage. Prior to planting, it's beneficial to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

Maintenance: Blackberry Prime Ark Traveler Thornless requires regular maintenance to ensure healthy growth and abundant fruit production. Plant them in a sunny location with good air circulation to minimize the risk of disease. Provide support for the canes using a trellis, fence, or other structure to keep them upright and facilitate harvesting. Prune the canes annually after fruiting to remove old, diseased, or damaged wood and encourage new growth.