These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
12-18 inch bare root plant.
Sweet-Ark® Immaculate™ Blackberry
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Sweet-Ark® Immaculate™' is a new (released in 2024) floricane-fruiting, thornless blackberry cultivar developed by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UA). It is the third release in the Sweet-Ark® series, following 'Ponca' and 'Caddo'.
Patent Status: A **United States Plant Patent will be filed in 2024** for 'Sweet-Ark® Immaculate'. This will restrict unauthorized asexual reproduction, including propagation, and sale of the cultivar once granted.
Berry Production: Produces medium-large berries (larger than 'Osage', 'Ponca', and 'Von', similar to 'Caddo') with good yield potential comparable to 'Osage' and 'Sweet-Ark® Caddo'. The berries are very firm with excellent post-harvest potential, comparable to 'Ouachita' and 'Sweet-Ark® Caddo' and slightly superior to 'Osage' and 'Sweet-Ark® Ponca'.
Ripening Time: A late-season floricane-fruiting variety. In Arkansas, the first harvest is around June 26th, which is 11-12 days after 'Osage' and 'Sweet-Ark® Caddo', and similar to 'Von' and 'Navaho'. The harvest period averages approximately 40 days.
Plant Size and Appearance: Has an erect cane growth habit with shortened internodes, creating a bushier plant than many other blackberries. Primocane elongation is delayed and primocanes emerge from below the canopy. Trellis fill may be thin due to the plant's stature, suggesting a potentially higher planting density for optimal trellis fill.
Flowers: Produces typical blackberry flowers on floricanes (second-year canes).
Hardiness: Winter hardiness is comparable to 'Sweet-Ark® Caddo', showing mild winter injury at temperatures down to -15°F (-26°C). The chilling requirement is anticipated to be approximately 400-600 hours. Generally adapted to USDA Zones 5b-9b.
Pollination: While blackberries are generally self-pollinating, having other blackberry varieties present may improve yields.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. A soil pH level of 6.0 - 6.5 is recommended.
Watering: Consistent watering is important, especially during fruit development.
Fertilizing: Follow general recommendations for blackberry fertilization.
Pruning: Being floricane-fruiting, prune out the canes that fruited after harvest. Tip primocanes. Further pruning in early spring can optimize yield.
Uses: Excellent for:
Fresh market production due to its late ripening and good post-harvest quality.
Commercial blackberry production.
Home gardens.
Farmers markets and u-pick operations.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife. Bird netting may be necessary to protect the crop.
Ornamental Value: The erect, bushy growth habit can have some ornamental appeal, especially when fruiting.
Disease and Pest Resistance: Plants have shown good health and moderate vigor. No orange rust nor anthracnose was observed in evaluations. Shows strong disease resistance to Rosette (Double Blossom).
