Description
‘Von’ is a thornless, erect blackberry developed at NC State. In university trials it produced medium to large berries (≈6.6 g) with smaller seeds than many standards, firm texture, and glossy black finish. Ripening overlaps the late-season window (similar to ‘Navaho’), with first pick often a few days earlier and a long fruiting period. Fruit quality holds well on the plant and postharvest, making it reliable for fresh use as well as freezing and desserts.
Plants show strong vigor with upright canes that tip easily for hedgerow systems. In NC State reports ‘Von’ expressed good resistance to several common bramble diseases noted in the Southeast. Expect high yields after establishment and a long harvest window that pairs well with mid-season cultivars like ‘Ouachita’ for season extension.
Growing Info
- Site: Full sun; well-drained loam or amended clay; pH 6.0–6.5.
- Spacing & Trellis: 3–5 ft in-row; single or double wire trellis. Tip primocanes at ~42–48 in to encourage laterals; remove fruited floricanes after harvest.
- Water: Even moisture during bloom and fruit swell; mulch to moderate soil temperature.
- Fertility: Spring N source as growth begins; avoid excess N once canes set fruit.
- Pests/Disease: Scout for cane diseases and SWD; harvest promptly; maintain canopy airflow.
- Climate: Performs across Zones 5–9; late crop benefits from summer heat units.
Technical Specs
| Species | Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) |
|---|---|
| Cultivar | Von |
| Type / Habit | Erect, thornless floricane blackberry |
| Ripening window | Late-season; extends harvest after mid-season cultivars; long picking window |
| Bearing | Floricane (fruit on previous-year canes); tip primocanes to encourage laterals |
| Hardiness (USDA) | Zones 5–9 (site dependent) |
| Chill / Winter needs | Moderate winter chill; generally reliable where winters are cool |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Soil / pH | Well-drained loam; pH 6.0–6.5; organic mulch recommended |
| Water | Even moisture, especially bloom through fruit swell (≈1–1.5 in/week, adjust for heat) |
| Spacing | 3–5 ft in-row; 8–10 ft between rows (home plantings can be tighter) |
| Trellis | Simple hedge on single or double wire; tip at 42–48 in |
| Pollination | Self-fertile; no pollenizer required |
| Height x spread (managed) | ≈4–6 ft canes when tipped; 2–3 ft row width |
| Pruning | Remove fruited floricanes after harvest; keep 4–6 strongest primocanes per linear foot |
| Disease / pests (notes) | Selected for good plant health; monitor for cane blights and SWD; harvest promptly |
| Primary uses | Fresh eating, desserts, freezing |
Shipping & Guarantee
Ships Mon–Wed with heat-aware holds. 14-day establishment guarantee.