{"product_id":"blackberry-ouachita","title":"Blackberry, Ouachita","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePlant Care:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlanting:\u003cbr\u003eChoose a full sun location that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to maximize fruit sweetness and yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDig a hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth. Prefers fertile, organic, well-draining soil with an ideal pH of 6.0–6.8. Space individual plants 3–4 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eWater newly planted shrubs deeply 1–2 times a week to keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished plants require consistent moisture, particularly during the mid-summer bloom and fruiting periods. Avoid poorly drained areas, as blackberries are prone to root rot in standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilizing:\u003cbr\u003eApply a balanced, slow-release general fertilizer or organic compost in early spring before new growth emerges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLimit heavy nitrogen applications later in the season to prevent excessive cane growth at the expense of fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning:\u003cbr\u003eRequires a standard two-step pruning method since it bears fruit on second-year canes (floricanes). In early summer, tip the new first-year canes (primocanes) at about 3.5 to 4 feet tall to force lateral branching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn late winter or immediately following harvest, prune all dead, two-year-old spent canes completely down to the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePest and Disease Control:\u003cbr\u003eShows excellent natural resistance to double blossom (rosette) and orange rust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonitor for common insects like aphids or Japanese beetles, and protect the ripening crop from birds using lightweight netting. Note that this variety is completely thornless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter Care:\u003cbr\u003eApply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone in late autumn to insulate the shallow root system from freezing temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is highly winter-hardy and requires no special canopy protection within its designated zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Description:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppearance:\u003cbr\u003eFeatures clusters of showy, white, rose-like flowers in mid-spring that attract a variety of pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowed by a prolific, mid-season harvest of large, plump, and glossy black berries that grow in heavy clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage:\u003cbr\u003eMedium to dark green deciduous compound leaves with lightly serrated edges that create a lush backdrop for the dark fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage turns subtle shades of yellow or dark burgundy in the late autumn before dropping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShape and Growth:\u003cbr\u003eA vigorous, completely thornless deciduous shrub with a strictly erect growth habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaches a mature height of 4–6 feet and a spread of 3–4 feet. Because its canes are exceptionally stiff and upright, it can be grown without a trellis, though a simple T-post support system helps prevent branches from leaning under a heavy crop load. It is entirely self-pollinating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit Characteristics:\u003cbr\u003eCelebrated for its outstanding, consistently sweet flavor and very low acidity. The berries are firm with small seeds, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully during harvest and offer an excellent post-harvest shelf life in refrigeration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptability:\u003cbr\u003eRenowned for its rugged adaptability and excellent performance in hot, humid summer climates. Thrives effortlessly across USDA Zones 5–9 and tolerates various soil profiles, including clay-heavy soils, provided drainage is adequate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Use:\u003cbr\u003eAn exceptional option for home orchards, backyard garden plots, or edible property borders. Its thornless nature and upright habit make it highly desirable for family gardens, allowing for effortless picking, fresh eating, baking, and making jams.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freedom Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"1G","offer_id":52268296405275,"sku":"C00002177","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/freedomtreefarms.com\/products\/blackberry-ouachita","provider":"Freedom Tree Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}