Sweet-Ark™ Ponca Blackberry Plant

Sweet-Ark™ Ponca is the sweetest blackberry cultivar the University of Arkansas breeding program has released to date – and that program has produced more successful blackberry varieties than any other in North America. The difference is immediately noticeable: the firm, sub-acid berries have significantly lower tartness than standard blackberry varieties, letting the natural sweetness come through cleanly in a way that makes them outstanding for fresh eating without added sugar and genuinely exceptional in naturally sweet jams and jellies. Thornless, erect, no trellis required, early June ripening, and high yields with excellent post-harvest keeping quality. Self-pollinating, bears in 1-2 years.

May be covered by USPP #33,330 or other patents.

The Sweetest Blackberry From the University of Arkansas Program

The University of Arkansas has released over 20 successful blackberry varieties since the 1970s — Arapaho, Natchez, Ouachita, Triple Crown, and Prime-Ark® Freedom among them. Ponca is the sweetest of all of them. The sub-acid flavor profile reduces the sharpness that many people find challenging in standard blackberries, producing a berry that’s genuinely approachable for fresh eating and makes the most naturally sweet jams and jellies of any variety in the program.

Early June Ripening — High Yields With Excellent Post-Harvest Quality

Ponca blooms in April and begins bearing in early June, placing it among the earliest-ripening thornless blackberries in the catalog. The high yields of medium-to-large fruit maintain quality well after harvest — firmer than many blackberry varieties and resistant to the softening and leaking that make some varieties difficult to handle or store. That post-harvest quality makes it practical for selling at a farmers market, processing in larger batches, or simply enjoying fresh over a longer window.

Thornless and Erect — No Trellis Required

The thornless, erect canes stay self-supporting without a trellis, making Ponca one of the most practical and comfortable blackberries to manage and harvest. Tip canes back after harvest and prune again in early spring to maintain productivity and plant health through the season.

Why Growers Choose Sweet-Ark™ Ponca Blackberry

• Sweetest cultivar from the University of Arkansas program — sub-acid, naturally sweet, less tart
• Early June ripening — one of the earliest thornless blackberries in the season
• High yields with excellent post-harvest quality — firm, lasting, practical to process and store
• Outstanding for fresh eating and naturally sweet jams — no added sugar needed
• Thornless erect canes, no trellis required — comfortable and easy to manage
• Self-pollinating, bears in 1-2 years — productive quickly with just one planting