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  4. Arapaho Erect Thornless Blackberry
Photo of Arapaho Erect Thornless Blackberry
Photo of Arapaho Erect Thornless Blackberry

Arapaho Erect Thornless Blackberry

52 ReviewsAsk Questions
Starting at
$27.99
3 Pack

Description

Eager growers, early producers. These tall, erect canes yield extra-tasty blackberries with exceptionally small seeds. New canes come up from the roots to increase productivity. Summer-bearing floricane. Early to mid-season. Ripens in mid June. Self-pollinating.

125% Survival Guarantee!

Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will issue a one-time merchandise credit to your account equaling 125% of the original product purchase price. Read more about our warranty policy.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Fruit Color Black
Fruit Size Medium
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest Mid June
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 6.8
Taste Sweet
Texture Firm
Years to Bear 1 - 2
Zone Range 6 - 8

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 6 - 8
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatability range of this variety before ordering.

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

When your plant matures, it will be approximately 4 - 5' tall x 3 - 4' wide.

Recommended Spacing

We recommend spacing these plants 3 - 4' apart to ensure room for growth.

Pollination

This variety is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. You'll get fruit with only one plant!

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow blackberry plants in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Read about how to grow blackberry plants »

Shipping Information

Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

Tags

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Questions & Answers

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Browse 27 questions Browse 27 questions and 107 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
Perma garden start
Mark on Apr 1, 2021
Wanted a thornless variety and researched blackberries through our county Extension Agency
mary s on Mar 18, 2021
Perma garden start
Mark on Apr 1, 2021
I wanted a thornless blackberry that was productive and whose growing habit was bushlike and at least semi-erect.
Susan O on Mar 22, 2021
Wanted a thornless variety and researched blackberries through our county Extension Agency
mary s on Mar 18, 2021
NO THORNS. I HAVE NATCHEZ AND THEY MAKE FOR DELICIOUS COBBLERS. THEY ARE A POWERHOUSE 0F NUTRITION AND FIBER. IF YOU HAVE NEVER HAD FRESH-PICKED, RIPE BERRIES, THEN YOU ARE IN FOR A SWEET TREAT!
Deborah L D on Mar 15, 2021
Wanted blackberries
Billy E on Mar 6, 2021
made monetary sense
Allison L on Mar 6, 2021
no thorns and flavor
Jan G on Feb 23, 2021
Prolific, fresh eating berry.
Mary M on Feb 15, 2021
thornless
Don W on Feb 12, 2021
Size of the fruit, full sun variety.
William T on Feb 11, 2021
Have had these plant in past
RUTH on Jan 31, 2021
To complement blackberries already in place. I want to have a GREAT blackberry patch
Jan S on Jan 19, 2021
The description says small seeds
c on Dec 24, 2020
early
randy s on Apr 2, 2020
Thorn less
Daniel C on Mar 28, 2020
Thornless
Mary H on Mar 6, 2020
FLAVOR
Claude R on Feb 23, 2020
Erect and thornless.
Randall L on Feb 10, 2020
Thornless and erect growing, Look like nice size berries plan on making cobblers, pies, jelly, jams and just plan eating off the vine.
Kathy N on Oct 6, 2019
I have raised these before and enjoyed them.
Margie C on Jul 28, 2019
I have had this variety before and it produces well when taken care of properly.
Brent S on May 14, 2019
More people rated it. It was a 4.5 of the Thornless varieties.
Paula H on May 9, 2019
recommended by our Coop Extension
Ben C on Mar 15, 2019
Thornless
Pamela B on Feb 17, 2019
Have some already and they performed really well in this area.
Edward N on Feb 6, 2019
Recommended cultivar for MO by MU extension
Danny M on Jan 15, 2019
I liked the size. Smaller than the others
Nadine H on Dec 17, 2018
Flavorful, thornless, long season, and with little seeds. Perfect.
Susie C on Aug 14, 2018
I will plant with the other blackberry (Traveler) I just purchased. And I want to share with my daughter.
Betsy B on Aug 4, 2018
Current canes are a different variety. Looking for another hardy variety to increase yield in the berry patch
Jonathan E on Aug 2, 2018
i wanted an erect thornless blackberry and this seemed like the best choice
steven b on May 17, 2018
I purchased Arapaho Erect Thornless Blackberry because I had purchased the three berry collection two years previously and I was disappointed in the sprawling nature of the other two berries which don't take well to training and instead send out eight to ten foot shoots in all directions. The Arapaho Erect Thornless Blackberry are just that and great healthy plants. So I'm going to dig up the others.
Howard M on May 15, 2018
no trellis needed
billy s on Nov 27, 2017
No "OUCH" with thornless varieties!
KATE F on Aug 31, 2017
Because its thornless and does not require any support.
Joshua C on Mar 7, 2017
These were fantastic! Large and delicious. Could not believe how many quarts a day I was picking.
KAREN J on Jan 30, 2017
Good reviews, erect, thornless.
KATHRYN S on Jan 17, 2017
Plants grow well and fast. Berries are large and delicious. Plus no thorns.
Christy J on Jan 10, 2017
Thornless, extra sweet, regrows
Mike S on Jan 3, 2017
North Carolina extension service recommended this variety for our area.
Kurt L on Dec 10, 2016
Because I will use this to fill in a blackberry bush that has been successful for the last 3 years. I can't wait, the grandkids will love them.
Katherine T on May 16, 2016
Have these at home. Good cultivar
RONALD P on May 7, 2016
I like blackberries and they are too expensive in the store.
James S on May 3, 2016
Thornless
Roberto V on Apr 27, 2016
Looked the right size we have used before.
Karen H on Apr 24, 2016
Love fresh blackberries but HATE the thorns . . .
Matt H on Apr 24, 2016
Me and the bears love blackberries
Jerald B on Apr 8, 2016
Wanted thornless blackberries! I have wild blackberries with thorns and they are very good but I feel as if I have been in battle after I have harvested them!
Lois W on Apr 4, 2016
This variety was recommended by my state's extension service for its self-supporting canes, lack of thorns, and small seeds which make it more pleasant to eat.
Melissa W on Mar 28, 2016
I got two of these by mistake sixteen years ago and they are still producing. I love that they have no thorns and stay really erect.
Stacy H on Mar 8, 2016
I wanted a thornless blackberry that was productive and whose growing habit was bushlike and at least semi-erect.
Susan O on Mar 22, 2021
NO THORNS. I HAVE NATCHEZ AND THEY MAKE FOR DELICIOUS COBBLERS. THEY ARE A POWERHOUSE 0F NUTRITION AND FIBER. IF YOU HAVE NEVER HAD FRESH-PICKED, RIPE BERRIES, THEN YOU ARE IN FOR A SWEET TREAT!
Deborah L D on Mar 15, 2021
My Arapaho blackberries don't seem very erect! These are new plants this spring. They are growing well and are already starting to produce berries. But all the growth is horizontal. Is it because this is their first year?
J O on Jul 12, 2016
BEST ANSWER: I had a similar problem with my Triple Crowns - first year they were just thin floppy vines trailing along the ground. But the second year, it was like they were a different plant: canes as thick as your thumb seemed to spring from the ground, before gently curving about four feet from the ground.
Will these plants come with leaves on them?
Brett on Feb 27, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Yes and have remained to date
What BlackBerry will grow in zone 9 ??
Larry L on Jan 2, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Arapaho, Kiowa, Natchez, Ouachita, those will all grow in zone 9, I prefer the Arapaho and the Kiowa as they are the largest and most juicy. I hope this helps you.
does this blackberry spread?
Laura on Jun 26, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Laura, Second year canes from 4 bushes planted last year are very spindly. New erect primo canes with their laterals will be held within alloted space for next year's berries. Note: I did have numerous new erect canes spread underground and come up in undesirable locations. Merely pulled up. Great berry.
Has anyone made jam with these?
Kelly H on May 21, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Yes, we have made jam. It turned out well. When these plants get established (couple of years) they produce a lot of berries.
do bull canes bare fruit?
Paula p on May 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Unfortunately Bull canes are poorly unfruitful or not fruitful at all.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Can I successfully grow this in a 15 gal container?
ANDREA B on Mar 30, 2019
BEST ANSWER: You sure can. I've been growing them for 3 years in a 5 gallon bucket. Just remember to keep them watered and protect them in the winter.
Do the plants need to be pruned the first year?
Tommy on Aug 27, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I plan on pruning mine in the spring as one of the two plants is grew very large a. Next year will be year 2 for ours. We had many berries this year but most did not fully ripen which I expected. I am expecting great berries next year. There is a link on Stark Bros. website under the blackberry listing that shows how and when to prune them. I am new to this also so am following that. Good luck with yours!
last time I had blackberries ants got to them just as they were about ripe made a mess of all of the berries any ideas on how I can prevent this without using pesticides or insecticides?
J H on Aug 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I didn't have ants on the blackberries but have had them on grapes and strawberries. If you can locate their path, diatomaceous earth sprinkled around the base of the plant can be helpful. I got a big bag from Tractor Supply for a good price - much better than a horticultural store. Ants seem to avoid encountering diatomaceous earth. And from what I understand, it is harmless to worms. I think they even eat it.
why would Arapaho Blackberries taste tart instead of sweet?
David W on Jun 8, 2017
BEST ANSWER: If you want them to taste sweet add a little vinegar to the water. If you like them tart, Do nothing but water them. Even some fertilizer's will make them taste sweet.
do these Arapaho berries thrive in pa ?
Calvin L on Jun 24, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I don't know about Pa., but they are doing great in Dewey, Arizona!! And that was after we had to move them in early spring because we moved from Chino Valley!!
Are these disease resistant?
Angela R on Apr 9, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Last summer was the 1st summer for my canes. I didn't experience any disease & they were very healthy & while there wasn't a lot of fruit, the berries that they produced were very large & sweet.
How tall are your Arapaho jumbo blackberry plants?
Cliff S on Apr 1, 2020
BEST ANSWER: It has been about 2 years ago since I ordered them. if I recall correctly, they
were about 5" tall upon Spring arrival. The 1st year they grew very little, maybe several more inches. Then last year, the 2nd year, they were 12"-!5" by Fall. I am anticipating more growth this year with my first blooms/berries hopefully. I previously grew Triple Crown, which is a fabulous grower with big berries. But was having a problem with Rust disease & thus removed most of them. I did not want to spray chemicals in an effort to control the Rust. Arapaho is suppose to be less prone to rust. We will see!!!
Does it come 3 separate plants per pack?
Dan S on Feb 23, 2021
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Correct these are shipped in cell packs much like what you purchase tomato plants in from a nursery or garden center.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
I have very cement-like back Texas clay soil. What do I have to do to this yucky soil in order to plant Thornless Arapaho erect blackberries?
Christi W on Jan 31, 2021
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. The best way to improve clay soils is to mix organic materials thoroughly with existing soil, explained Brewer. Bark, sawdust, manure, leaf mold, compost and peat moss are among the organic amendments commonly used to improve clay soil

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Are these sold as Bare Root plants?
Jill P on Jan 24, 2021
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. No they are not sold as bareroot. The age and size information for our blackberry plants in the Jumbo Cell Pack have a shipping expectation of 4-6" tall. In the small gallon, they are about a foot tall with an advanced root system.
when and how to prune black berries?
Paula p on May 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: from my experience, prune back the shoots AFTER they bear fruit, or to remove damaged sections. I mostly pruned in january/february. If pruning due to damage or appearance, always prune back to something, ie where it joins a main shoot, or if the main shoot, prune low to the ground. Probably not perfect, but worked for me.
What is the scientific species name for this plant? Is it a variety or hybrid? Of which species?
David G on Feb 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. The genus is Rubus and the cultivar is Arapaho. The Arapaho is not a hybrid.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
I am looking for a very aggressive, thorn-less Blackberry plant. One that will produce large, sweet berries. A plant that will pushout wild thorny blackberries. Can you help?
DnASoup on Aug 16, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Wild blackberries are more aggressive than cultivated varieties, so you're best off digging up the wild variety. Here is a whole page of the thornless blackberries, but check to make sure the variety you want is suitable for your growing zone. //www.starkbros.com/tags/thornless-blackberries
What is the difference in the leaves of Apache and Arapaho blackberries?
Carol R on Jun 1, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Apache leaves are a lighter shade of green than Arapaho, and are less glossy look. Apache leaves are also a big larger and rounder, versus the more oval shape of Arapaho leaves.
what does each bush yield on average?
James R on May 27, 2017
BEST ANSWER: About 2 lb. per bush if you use plastic mulch. Pine bark will get you about 1.5. lb. per bush. Of course, the yield will always depend on soil quality, available nutrients sunlight, rainfall, etc.
Will this plant yield berries the same year I plant it?
Kevin M on Mar 17, 2017
BEST ANSWER: You might get a few berries, but it's better to pinch off the first year's flowers to "save up" for a better crop in year 2.
What is a cell pack?
Wanda S on Jan 15, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Cell Packs are small potted plant starts (either 3 or 6 to an order) that are roughly 4-6" tall.
what is the advantage of purchasing the blackberry plants in gallon container over cell packs?
Forrest M on Dec 21, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question! The larger, older plants will have a more established root system and give you a "head start" on berry season.
Which black berries grow in Montana the best?
Scott on Aug 3, 2016
BEST ANSWER: THe Arapaho did fine where I live in Idaho.. But the winters in Montana are harder there.my fross line about 18" deep .the 1st winter I kept them cover in wood chips.

Customer Reviews

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4.2 / 5.0
52 Reviews
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Arapaho Erect Thornless Black Berries
My Arapaho Erect Thornless Black Berries are in their 3rd season. OMG, the berries they are producing. Large and Sweet. Second year was good, but this 3rd season has been fantastic! Thanks Stark Bros for your quality product.
June 3, 2016
Arapaho
Good. Vigorous here in NE Georgia. Berries large and sweet enough if you leave them on a few days after they turn black. My little grandchildren really like them! Erect yes, but they are too sprawling so I have a 2 wire trellis that I occasionally tie the canes to. Makes picking, mulching easier. I pinch the tips out after they get about 3-4 feet high which encourages many new branches that bear fruit.
August 4, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Arapaho Black berries
I have had these berries before, that's the reason I reordered them. They are a little slow to start producing but well worth the wait. The berries are very large and super sweet. Two in the mouth, one in the pail.
May 19, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
They are great... Hardy and loaded with berries this year which is their first season after being planted last year
May 16, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Excellent BlackBerry stock.
Last year I ordered six of the Arapahoe blackberry plants. They arrived 6 inches tall, absolutely beautiful and green. Whereas right now my plants are waist high , loaded with berries and have runners 3 to 4 feet long. I strongly recommend Stark Brothers for your choice of stock. I have tryed the big box stores and another nursery. No comparison. Pick your choice of variety according to your zone. I live in the heart of dixie, Alabama.
Happy Gardens
Doug
May 11, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
many blooms and berries setting on this year
This has been a great product as all Stark Bro are. My neighbor has this product and I have picked goobs of berries several years, until I finally decided to plant three plants myself. Excellent product.
May 16, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
OMG THESE ARE DELICIOUS!
This is our second spring for these new berry plants which started out as tiny sticks in the ground and they are heavy laden with fruit. Strong canes multiplying profusely and growing to 8' high and 3' around or more. Berries are large, plump, very little seeds and super sweet. So glad I replaced all those horrible thorny skimpy California wild berries on the property. Awesome!
May 19, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Yummy!
This crop of blackberries are very tasty. Large, dark purple/black. It's semi erect, but I have a cage around it to help. Right now it's about 4' tall. Very happy with this purchase.
May 21, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Bought these in 2015, doing great in 2016
I bought some these Arapaho Erect Thornless Blackberry bushes in 2015 and built a blackberry bed in my yard. I was impressed with the packaging and quick delivery and they are thriving and doing well in 2016. Looking like I will have a decent yield this year.
May 13, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Arapaho Erect
I have bought these three different times. The first two orders were great. The last time I received the plant was disappointing. The plants looked very unhealthy. I planted them and two of the plants may not survive. Not very pleased with the six plants I received
February 18, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Response from Stark Bro's
Thank you for your input. I'm sorry to hear the latest order was not to your expectation. If you need to request a replacement under our warranty, please call Customer Support at 800.325.4180.
February 22, 2016
Brenda H Staff

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