Kiowa Blackberry Plant

Kiowa is the world’s biggest blackberry, producing extra-large berries that regularly reach 3 inches long — fruit so substantial that a handful fills a cobbler with room to spare. This thorny, erect variety from the University of Arkansas earns devoted growers who are willing to work around the canes for the extraordinary harvest they deliver: sweet, firm, richly flavored berries that ripen over an exceptionally long early-to-mid summer season in early June. Only 200–300 chill hours makes it accessible to warm Southern climates where most blackberries won’t fruit. Self-pollinating, bears in 1–2 years.

Up to 3 Inches Long — The Biggest Blackberry You Can Grow

The size claim is real. Kiowa regularly produces berries that reach 3 inches in length — significantly longer than any other commonly available blackberry variety. At that size, each berry is genuinely substantial on its own, and a bowl of fresh Kiowa blackberries is as visually impressive as it is delicious. For pies, cobblers, and preserves where berry size contributes to texture and presentation, nothing competes.

Extended Early-to-Mid Summer Harvest

Kiowa blooms earlier and longer than most blackberry varieties, producing a harvest window that extends through early-to-mid summer with consistent production rather than a brief concentrated flush. That extended season gives home growers more flexibility and more fresh blackberries over a longer period from a single planting.

Low Chill Hours — University of Arkansas Development

The 200–300 chill-hour requirement is one of Kiowa’s most practically important qualities for Southern gardeners. Standard blackberry varieties need 700–900 hours of winter cold, excluding them from warm-climate gardens. Kiowa’s low requirement opens genuine blackberry growing to Zone 6–8 Southern and transition-zone gardens where high-chill varieties fail to produce. Bred by the University of Arkansas program that has produced more successful blackberry varieties than any other in North America.

Why Growers Choose Kiowa Blackberry

• Up to 3 inches long — the biggest blackberry available for home growing
• Sweet, firm, richly flavored — outstanding fresh, frozen, baked, and for juice or wine
• Extended early June harvest season — blooms earlier and longer than most varieties
• Only 200–300 chill hours — productive in warm Southern gardens
• University of Arkansas development — proven institutional pedigree
• Self-pollinating, bears in 1–2 years — productive quickly with just one planting