{"product_id":"ponca-blackberry-plants","title":"Ponca Sweet Ark™ Blackberry Plants","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"855\" data-start=\"307\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"327\" data-start=\"307\"\u003ePonca Blackberry\u003c\/strong\u003e is a standout thornless blackberry variety bred for exceptional sweetness, firm texture, and easy garden management. This compact, upright grower produces glossy black berries with outstanding flavor—making Ponca ideal for fresh eating, desserts, baking, freezing, and preserving. Loved on the farm for its tidy, upright habit, Ponca is especially well suited for home gardeners who want high-quality fruit without sprawling canes. With early ripening and reliable yields, Ponca delivers a delicious start to blackberry season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"994\" data-start=\"857\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"875\" data-start=\"857\"\u003eSHIPPING INFO:\u003c\/strong\u003e This product begins shipping in \u003cstrong data-end=\"917\" data-start=\"908\"\u003eMarch\u003c\/strong\u003e. We will try to ship within the ideal planting window for your growing zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1026\" data-start=\"996\"\u003eWhy Grow Ponca Blackberry?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1306\" data-start=\"1027\"\u003e• Produces exceptionally sweet, firm blackberries\u003cbr data-end=\"1079\" data-start=\"1076\"\u003e• Thornless canes for easy, comfortable harvesting\u003cbr data-end=\"1132\" data-start=\"1129\"\u003e• Compact, upright growth habit—great for smaller spaces\u003cbr data-end=\"1191\" data-start=\"1188\"\u003e• Early-season variety that starts your blackberry harvest\u003cbr data-end=\"1252\" data-start=\"1249\"\u003e• Highly productive and well suited for home gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1331\" data-start=\"1308\"\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1592\" data-start=\"1332\"\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong data-end=\"1350\" data-start=\"1335\"\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blackberry (thornless, floricane \/ summer-bearing) – rooted plug\u003cbr data-end=\"1418\" data-start=\"1415\"\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong data-end=\"1441\" data-start=\"1421\"\u003eHardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–9\u003cbr data-end=\"1448\" data-start=\"1445\"\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong data-end=\"1469\" data-start=\"1451\"\u003eWhen to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early spring, as soon as soil can be worked\u003cbr data-end=\"1516\" data-start=\"1513\"\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong data-end=\"1539\" data-start=\"1519\"\u003eWhen to Harvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early summer (typically June, depending on location)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1614\" data-start=\"1594\"\u003eCultivation Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2491\" data-start=\"1615\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"1639\" data-start=\"1617\"\u003eSoil requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Avoid areas where water tends to pool.\u003cbr data-end=\"1741\" data-start=\"1738\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"1756\" data-start=\"1743\"\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun for best growth and fruit production.\u003cbr data-end=\"1806\" data-start=\"1803\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"1821\" data-start=\"1808\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water consistently, especially during establishment and dry periods. Soil should remain moist but not soggy. Mulching helps conserve moisture and keep roots cool.\u003cbr data-end=\"1987\" data-start=\"1984\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"2004\" data-start=\"1989\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Berries are ready when fully black, glossy, and release easily from the plant. Harvest every few days during peak season.\u003cbr data-end=\"2129\" data-start=\"2126\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"2143\" data-start=\"2131\"\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fruit is produced on second-year canes. After harvest, remove spent floricanes at ground level. In late winter, thin first-year canes to improve airflow and encourage healthy growth.\u003cbr data-end=\"2329\" data-start=\"2326\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"2343\" data-start=\"2331\"\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Space plants approximately 3–5 feet apart for proper airflow and cane development.\u003cbr data-end=\"2429\" data-start=\"2426\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"2447\" data-start=\"2431\"\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-fertile—no additional plants required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2765\" data-start=\"2733\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shop.farmoncentral.com\/pages\/instructions\"\u003eClick here for our Blackberry Growing Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8RJ-_fyhKjs\"\u003eClick here for a video on How to Care for Brambles: Plants and Plugs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2620\" data-start=\"2609\"\u003eHistory\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3001\" data-start=\"2621\"\u003ePonca Blackberry was developed by Dr. John Clark at the University of Arkansas and released in 2020 as part of their ongoing thornless blackberry breeding program. Bred for higher sugar content, balanced acidity, and excellent fruit quality, Ponca quickly gained recognition for its superior flavor and manageable growth habit—setting a new standard for early-season blackberries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3223\" data-start=\"3003\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3026\" data-start=\"3003\"\u003eNon-GMO Commitment:\u003c\/strong\u003e At The Farm on Central, all our plants are guaranteed non-GMO and not genetically modified in any way, upholding natural breeding methods and promoting sustainable gardening and farming practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3343\" data-start=\"3225\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3244\" data-start=\"3225\"\u003eGrowing method:\u003c\/strong\u003e Conventionally grown, due to tissue culture propagation which ensures disease-free planting stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0353\/5270\/7117\/files\/blackberry_plugs_2.jpg?v=1771193007\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Growing Farmers","offers":[{"title":"Each","offer_id":45324413894838,"sku":"LPPONCA1","price":14.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Plants","offer_id":45324413927606,"sku":"LPPONCA3","price":26.1,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Plants","offer_id":45324413960374,"sku":"LPPONCA10","price":63.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 Plants","offer_id":45324413993142,"sku":"LPPONCA25","price":143.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0731\/8251\/1286\/files\/Blackberry_Plants_1.png?v=1785858764","url":"https:\/\/mhkshopmotfy.com\/products\/ponca-blackberry-plants","provider":"Mhkshopmotfy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}