Prime Ark-45 Blackberry: Extended Harvest, Superior Flavor, and Enhanced Heat-Tolerant Yield
Berries Unlimited proudly presents the Prime Ark-45 Blackberry (PP#22,449), a revolutionary primocane-fruiting cultivar developed by the University of Arkansas. This robust, 1.5-year-old tissue-cultured plant delivers a remarkable harvest of medium-large, sweet, and flavorful fruit, engineered for both local markets and shipping with exceptional post-harvest handling. Experience an extended fruiting season from late summer into fall, with enhanced heat adaptation for consistent yields across a wide range of climates (USDA Zones 5-9).
Features
| Characteristic |
Detail |
| Variety Type |
Prime-Ark® 45 is a primocane-fruiting, thorny, erect blackberry cultivar (PP#22,449). |
| Development |
Developed by the University of Arkansas in 2009, with the Plant Patent (PP#22,449) granted. |
| Fruit Size |
Medium-large; floricane fruits average 6g+ (Arkansas), primocane fruits reach 7-9g (Oregon/California), and 4-5g (Arkansas). |
| Flavor/Sweetness |
Excellent flavor with average soluble solids near 10% (floricane) and up to 12% (primocane), rated higher than previous primocane releases and similar to Ouachita. |
| Yield |
Very good yields on both floricanes and primocanes, exceeding Prime-Jim® and comparable to thornless floricane varieties. |
| Floricane Maturity |
Ripens around June 9 in Arkansas. |
| Primocane Maturity |
Fruit ripens 2-3 weeks later than Prime-Jan® and Prime-Jim®, typically early August (Arkansas), late August (California), and mid-September (Oregon). |
| Primary Intention |
To provide a high-quality berry with excellent post-harvest handling for local and shipping markets in the late summer to fall season. |
| Temperature Sensitivity |
Summer temperatures above 85°F can reduce primocane fruit set and quality. |
| Heat Adaptation |
Shows enhanced adaptation to higher heat conditions for primocane fruiting compared to Prime-Jim® and Prime-Jan® in Arkansas. |
| Hardiness Zones |
USDA Zones 5-9. |
| Plant Size |
Large, 1.5-year-old tissue-cultured plant (12cm), ensuring a robust start. |
Benefits
| Key Benefit |
Impact for You |
| Extended Harvest Season |
Enjoy a significantly longer berry season with primocane-fruiting, providing fresh, high-quality blackberries from late summer through fall, satisfying demand beyond traditional summer varieties. |
| Superior Fruit Quality & Flavor |
Cultivate medium-large, exceptionally sweet, and highly flavorful berries (up to 12% soluble solids) that are perfect for fresh eating, baking, or premium market sales, aligning with the desire for top-tier produce. |
| Excellent Market & Shipping Potential |
Developed specifically for outstanding post-harvest handling, these berries maintain their quality during transport, making them ideal for both local farmers' markets and commercial shipping ventures. |
| High-Yielding Productivity |
Achieve abundant harvests from both floricanes and primocanes, ensuring maximum return on your investment whether for personal consumption or commercial distribution. |
| Enhanced Warm Climate Performance |
Benefit from the variety's improved heat adaptation, offering more reliable primocane fruiting and consistent yields even when summer temperatures climb above 85°F, addressing a common pain point for growers. |
| Scientifically Proven Reliability |
Invest with confidence in a patented (PP#22,449), university-developed cultivar, ensuring a well-researched and high-performing plant variety. |
| Robust & Ready-to-Grow Plants |
Receive large, 1.5-year-old tissue-cultured plants, providing a vigorous and established foundation for quicker growth and earlier fruit production. |
Specifications
| Attribute |
Detail |
| SKU |
PRII5H0R12-12 |
| Plant Type |
Primocane-fruiting, thorny, erect Blackberry Cultivar |
| Cultivar Patent |
PP#22,449 (University of Arkansas, 2009) |
| Propagation Method |
Tissue-cultured plant |
| Plant Size at Purchase |
12cm (large, 1.5 years old) |
| USDA Hardiness Zones |
5-9 |
| Floricane Harvest (Arkansas) |
Around June 9 |
| Primocane First Bloom |
About 2 weeks later than Prime-Jan® and Prime-Jim® |
| Primocane Harvest (Arkansas) |
Averaging August 8 |
| Primocane Harvest (California) |
Late August |
| Primocane Harvest (Oregon) |
Mid-September |
| Soluble Solids (Floricane) |
~10% |
| Soluble Solids (Primocane) |
Up to 12% |
| Average Fruit Weight (Floricane, AR) |
6g or more |
| Average Fruit Weight (Primocane, AR) |
4-5g |
| Average Fruit Weight (Primocane, OR/CA) |
7-9g |
Usage & Fit Guidance
- Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, with noted enhanced performance in warmer conditions.
- Sunlight Requirements: Plant in a location that receives full sun for optimal fruit development and yield.
- Soil Preferences: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. Amend with organic matter for best results.
- Watering: Consistent moisture is essential, especially during flowering and fruit development. Avoid waterlogging.
- Thorns: Please note this is a thorny cultivar. Exercise caution during handling and harvesting.
- Heat Management: While adapted, in regions with prolonged summer temperatures exceeding 85°F, providing afternoon shade or overhead irrigation can help maintain primocane fruit set and quality.
- Pruning: Implement appropriate pruning techniques for primocane-fruiting blackberries to maximize the extended harvest.
Ideal For
- The Dedicated Home Gardener: Perfect for those who desire a continuous supply of delicious, homegrown blackberries from summer into fall, valuing superior flavor and robust plant performance.
- Small-Scale Commercial Growers: An excellent choice for market farmers looking to extend their sales season with high-quality, high-yielding fruit known for its exceptional post-harvest attributes.
- Cultivators in Warm Climates (Zones 7-9): Specifically beneficial for growers seeking a primocane-fruiting variety with improved tolerance to summer heat, ensuring more consistent production.
- Innovators & Quality Enthusiasts: For those who appreciate scientifically developed, patented varieties that offer distinct advantages in yield, flavor, and harvest timing.
- Anyone Seeking Reliable Berry Production: A dependable option for achieving abundant harvests of flavorful berries, addressing past disappointments with generic or unadapted varieties.
Policy & Support
| Category |
Information |
| Contact Phone |
(479)846-6030 |
| Contact Email |
berriesunlimitedusa@gmail.com |
| Business Address |
807 Cedar Lane Prairie Grove, AR 72753 United States of America |
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