Blackberry Flavor

Howdy everyone!

I'm doing some research to help me start a U-Pick Blackberry farm on my land.

I'm curious to know what everyone thinks the best-tasting blackberries are. I'd prefer a thornless primocane if possible.

Based on my research, I'm leaning towards Prime Ark Freedoms due to them being primocanes, thornless, and doing well in my area. The only thing that might rule them out is if their flavor profile is awful compared to others.

If you have experience, would you say that customers come back for PAFreedoms? Is size or flavor more important to U-Pick guests?

Opinions are welocme:)

Thanks!

Hey Aedan, welcome to Permies!

I'm going to answer your question with a question.  Where are you?  Location will definitely influence the selection.  Additionally, I don't know how much of a hurry you're in, but I'd plant a handful of each variety I'm considering into the land I'm planning to build my U-pick on and see how they all do, and taste, there.

If you're in the US, I can also recommend reaching out to the USDA Cooperative Extension in your county.  They will have an Ag Specialist on staff that can give you recommendations for what does well in your specific location.  They'll also reach out to Ag professors at your local state university if your questions stump them.  Your tax dollars at work. :D

I'd still do a trial run on any recommendations I receive, but I have more time than money. :D

Here in Oz, regular blackberries are a declared noxious weed, so when I came across a thornless one of course I jumped at it.  Unfortunately, when it got established, all the berries disappeared and wouldn't you know it- then grew thorns.   Grrr.   Hope the ones you are considering are of more stable stock.

Thanks for the tips Dave,

I'm in Central Texas Zone 8b.

Reaching out to our county's USDA Cooperative Extension now!

Thanks again,
Aedan

Welcome to Permies Aedan,

For me, I would prefer flavor over size if I was going to a U-Pick, but size is important too. Makes it easier for kids to pick and for you to fill a basket quickly.