Give Rubus 'Prime-Ark® Freedom' a sunny spot and room to grow, and you can enjoy two cropping windows: an early crop on second-year canes (floricanes) and a later crop on first-year canes (primocanes). This thornless selection is easier to train, prune, and pick than many older blackberries, and the upright habit works well with a simple trellis or support wires.

Plant in full sun for the best yields and sweetest berries. Choose a site with well-drained soil and steady moisture during establishment. Water deeply during dry spells, especially while plants are flowering and fruit is sizing up. A layer of mulch helps hold moisture and keeps soil from splashing onto fruit.

As canes grow, guide them onto support and keep the row tidy so air can move through the plant. Space plants to allow a mature spread of roughly 36-48 inches and to make harvest comfortable. Feed lightly in early spring as new growth begins, and avoid heavy late-season nitrogen that can push tender growth.

Pruning is straightforward once you know which canes are which. Floricanes fruit and then should be cut out at ground level after their harvest. Primocanes grow the current season; you can keep them for a floricane crop next year, and in many climates they can also set a late-season primocane crop on their tips. Remove weak or damaged canes and keep a manageable number of strong canes per plant for the best fruit size.

This variety is generally grown in USDA Zones 6-8. Protect the planting from harsh winter winds, and harvest frequently as berries turn fully black for the best flavor.

Specifications

• Cold hardiness zone: 6-8 (-10 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• Light: Full sun
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Mature height: 48-72"
• Spread: 36-48"
• Edible: Yes

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