Prime Ark Traveler Blackberry

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-6 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 9

Prime Ark Traveller crops in early and late summer and is sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. Its giant blackberries are uniform and as large as a quarter. This easy-to-grow hybrid Blackberry was released by the University of Arkansas in 2008 and is still one of the more dependable fruiting primocane types for warmer climates and cooler growing zones. It has improved resistance to fungal diseases and a longer shelf time, allowing the berries to travel farther to market or store longer in your refrigerator. Expect one crop in early June and a crop in early September to round out a long season of harvesting. 

Prime Ark Traveller Blackberry Care  

Plant Prime Ark Traveller Blackberry in early spring or later winter when the soil is workable. Choose a location with at least 6 hours of direct sun and deep, fertile, loamy soil. Amend compact or poor soil with organic compost to improve drainage and fertility. Well-draining soil is an absolute must for blackberries to thrive year-round. Wet soil that stays boggy in the winter months will cause root damage. This blackberry requires slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0) for good growth and fruiting. 

Primocane blackberries produce two distinct harvests a year. The first harvest grows on the previous year’s growth (floricanes). After these canes finish fruiting, they can be cut back to the ground. The primocanes (current year’s new growth) will produce a crop at the tips of the stems. Cut these stems back by one-third of their height after fruiting. These pruned canes will be the floricanes for next summer. Because the overall height of Prime Ark Traveller is a compact 4-6 feet, trellising may not be needed to keep plants upright.  

Growing Prime Ark Traveller Blackberry 

Prime Ark Traveller will produce harvestable fruit during its first season. It spreads to 2-3 feet, making it a great fit for raised beds or smaller gardens. The heavy fruit on first-year canes (primocanes) can be better distributed by pinching out cane tips early in the summer to increase stem branching. Prime Ark Traveller requires minimal chill hours for fruit production and is a good choice for areas with mild winters (USDA zones 8-9). 

Prime Ark Traveller grows well in larger containers with at least a 16-inch diameter or a 10-gallon capacity. Select a pot with plenty of drainage from the bottom, and use potting soil formulated for acid-loving plants. Improve drainage by adding 1 part perlite to 3 parts potting mix. Fertilize with a diluted liquid feed every 2-3 weeks. Organic fish emulsion or liquid seaweed formulas will deliver steady nutrients and are safe for use on edible crops. Water containers consistently so that the soil does not dry more than 1-2 inches below the surface. 

Watering Prime Ark Traveller Blackberry

Consistent watering is the key to promoting large, sweet, and juicy berries. The easiest way to water berry canes is with drip irrigation or soaker hoses installed at the time of planting. Supplemental water 2-3 times a week is generally sufficient to keep the soil moist during the flowering and fruiting period. Blackberries are amazingly drought tolerant when not actively flowering or fruiting and may only need supplemental watering during long periods without natural precipitation.  

Feeding Prime Ark Traveller Blackberry 

Blackberries are not overall hungry plants, although consistent fertilizing through the growing season will support better tasting, plentiful fruit the following season. Use a granular, slow-release formulation with a balanced ratio of NPK (e.g. 10-10-10 ). Apply as a top-dressing just as the flower buds develop and again after the plants have finished producing the late summer crop.