Arapaho Erect Thornless Blackberry Plant
Description
Eager growers, early producers!
These tall, erect canes yield extra-tasty blackberries with exceptionally small seeds. The Arapaho Erect Thornless blackberry plant is an early ripening variety that produces medium to large-sized blackberries early to mid-summer. Enjoy fresh blackberries that ripen over four weeks!
The thornless and upright nature of these plants, coupled with plump berries that have small seeds, make this an excellent choice for backyard gardens and u-pick farms. Wonderfully picked fresh, and ideal for freezing and baking. The firm, glossy berries work wonderfully in tarts and pies.
How to Grow Arapaho Blackberries
Plant Arapaho blackberry plants about 3-4 ft. apart. This is a self-pollinating plant that has spreading potential. New canes come up from the roots to increase productivity. It is necessary to prune blackberries annually for the best crop. At any time of the year, you can prune crossed or dead branches to encourage new growth. In late winter, prune back last year’s fruiting canes.
The blackberry bush will produce fruit on new growth since Arapaho is a summer-bearing floricane. Arapaho blackberry trellises are not required but may provide support and vertical growing potential.
Bred by the University of Arkansas.
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Characteristics
Bloom Color | White |
Fruit Color | Black |
Fruit Size | Medium |
Hardiness Zone Range | 6 - 8 |
Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
Ripens/Harvest | 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 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
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Tools & Supplies
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.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
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.
Yes and have remained to date
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.
Mine produced lots of huge fruit the first year, and have continued year after year, with no help from me. I'm a horribly neglectful gardener. They send out shoots everywhere, and I just mow down inconvenient ones. I really can't say enough good things about my Arapaho Thornless Blackeberry plants. Right now (May) they are just covered in berries.
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!
It does put out multiple shoots. It is up to you to trim back in fall.
Yes, we have made jam. It turned out well. When these plants get established (couple of years) they produce a lot of berries.
I wouldn't say the seeds are large. They are average/normal sized blackberry seeds. I just crunch through them when eating. My little kids don't have a problem eating them. I honestly don't notice the seeds unless they get stuck in my molars.
My wife made me wait a few days to a week before I picked my Arapaho blackberries; I wanted to pick them right when they turned glossy black, but she said to wait until they turned more of a dull/flat/less shiny black. When they did, boy were they sweet!! The more time they spend ripening, even after they initially turn shiny black, the sweeter they get.
Yes, I planted in the spring. I believe you'll get some berries that first year because it's a primocane. That said, mine didn't produce as much that first year as it did in later years. My hypothesis was that the plant was getting its footing / growing a good root system, so it wasn't as focused on making berries.
L9ve blackberry, not thorns.
I have the same variety- it’s an amazing 🤩 plant
Wanted thornless blackberries.
Small seeds. No thorns. No trellis needed. Cheap shipping