Overview

Welcome the future of home-grown berries into your garden with our Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant starter plugs. This exceptional primocane-fruiting blackberry cultivar, scientifically known as Rubus ‘APF-190T’, was developed by the University of Arkansas and is revered for its outstanding characteristics. Unlike many traditional blackberry varieties, the Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant boasts completely thornless canes, making harvesting a joy and maintenance a breeze. Its erect growth habit means less trellising is required, simplifying garden management. These starter plugs provide a robust foundation for establishing productive blackberry bushes that will yield an abundance of high-quality, firm, and wonderfully sweet berries with notably lower acidity. Experience the satisfaction of picking your own fresh, delicious fruit right from your backyard.

The unique advantage of the Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant lies in its primocane-fruiting nature. This allows for the possibility of two distinct crops in optimal climates: an early summer floricane crop and a second, bountiful primocane crop that extends from late summer well into the fall. This extended fruiting season ensures a longer period of fresh berry enjoyment, making it an incredibly rewarding addition to any edible garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these thornless blackberry starter plants offer an excellent opportunity to grow your own gourmet fruit with minimal fuss.

Key Benefits

Our Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant starter plugs offer numerous advantages for the home gardener, promising a rewarding and delicious harvest.

• Thornless Canes: Enjoy hassle-free harvesting and pruning thanks to the completely thornless nature of this blackberry variety, making it safe and easy for all ages to manage.
• Erect Growth Habit: The naturally upright growth of the canes reduces the need for extensive trellising, simplifying garden support and saving you time and effort.
• Dual Cropping Potential: In optimal climates, the primocane blackberry produces two crops per season – a floricane crop in early summer and a primocane crop from late summer into fall – ensuring an extended harvest period.
• High-Quality Fruit: Expect firm, sweet, and juicy berries that are perfect for fresh eating, baking, jams, or freezing, offering a superior taste profile with lower acidity.
• University of Arkansas Cultivar: Developed by renowned horticultural experts, this variety is bred for resilience and productivity, giving you a reliable and vigorous plant.
• Vigorous Growth: These starter plugs are designed to establish quickly, allowing you to enjoy fresh blackberries sooner.
• Easy to Grow: A relatively low-maintenance fruit plant, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to grow blackberries successfully.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant is straightforward, and with proper attention, you’ll be rewarded with abundant harvests. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure optimal fruit production and plant vigor. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching. They prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0) is ideal. When planting your thornless blackberry starter, ensure the soil is loose and aerated. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage, and sandy soils with compost to enhance water retention.

Consistent watering is crucial, especially during the establishment phase and fruit development. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Deep watering encourages a strong root system. Once established, blackberries can tolerate short periods of drought but will produce better with regular moisture. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer or an organic compost. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. Pruning is key for maximizing yields and maintaining plant health. Since this is a primocane blackberry, you can prune floricanes (canes that fruited in the previous year) back to the ground after their summer harvest. For primocane fruiting, allow new canes to grow and fruit in the fall. In colder zones, some winter protection may be beneficial, though the Traveler is generally hardy. Watch for common pests like aphids and spider mites, and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if necessary. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases.

Size & Details

This offering includes 10 Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant starter plugs, providing a strong foundation for a productive blackberry patch. Each plug is a young, actively growing plant, carefully propagated to ensure vigor and health upon arrival. When mature, the Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant typically grows into an erect bush, reaching heights of 5-8 feet and spreading 3-5 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning practices. These plants are shipped ready for transplanting into your garden or larger containers. The growth rate is moderate to fast, allowing you to establish your patch relatively quickly. Expect the first significant primocane crop in the fall of the first year after planting, with full production typically achieved in the second year. These plants are well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-9, making them a versatile choice for many regions across the US. The berries are medium to large in size, showcasing a glossy black color when ripe, and are known for their excellent shelf life and transportability.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant get? A: A: The Prime Ark Traveler typically grows to an erect height of 5-8 feet and spreads about 3-5 feet wide. Its upright growth habit makes it easier to manage than trailing varieties.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant is an outdoor fruiting shrub. It requires full sun exposure and is best grown in a garden or large outdoor container.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: These blackberry plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production. More sun generally leads to more berries.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant is considered relatively easy to care for, especially due to its thornless canes and erect growth. Consistent watering and annual pruning are the main requirements.
• Q: What condition will the thornless blackberry starter arrive in? A: Your thornless blackberry starter plugs will arrive as healthy, actively growing young plants, carefully packaged to ensure their safe transit and readiness for planting.
• Q: When is the best time to plant these primocane blackberry plugs? A: The best time to plant these starter plugs is in early spring after the last frost, or in early fall in milder climates. This allows the plants to establish their root system before extreme temperatures.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The Prime Ark Traveler blackberry plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. In zone 5, some winter protection, such as mulching the base or covering the canes, may be beneficial.
• Q: How long until it produces berries? A: You can often expect to see some primocane fruit production in the fall of the first year after planting. Full production typically begins in the second year.
• Q: What makes this a primocane blackberry? A: A primocane blackberry produces fruit on canes that grew in the current season, allowing for an earlier fall crop in addition to the traditional floricane crop on second-year canes.
• Q: Can I grow blackberries in containers? A: Yes, you can grow blackberries in large containers, at least 15-20 gallons in size, to accommodate their root system and upright growth. Ensure good drainage and consistent watering.