Kiowa Blackberry
Starting at
$27.99
Each
Description
The world’s biggest blackberry — up to 3" long! This thorny variety blooms earlier and longer than others. Fruit is large enough to make fresh cobbler with just a few berries. Also great for juice or wine. Summer-bearing floricane. Early season. Ripens in early 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 | Pink, White |
| Fruit Color | Black |
| Fruit Size | Extra Large |
| Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
| Ripens/Harvest | Early 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 | 5 - 8 |
Zone Compatibility
This Variety's Zone Range
5 - 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.
Shipping Information
Estimated Delivery Date
This item is currently out of stock.
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.
Questions & Answers
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Browse 31 questions
Browse 31 questions
and 100 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
Planted previously and was impressed with the quality of the production.
James F
on Mar 23, 2021
a friend ordered them and was very happy
marie t
on Mar 16, 2021
Planted previously and was impressed with the quality of the production.
James F
on Mar 23, 2021
Because we had them before and our plant died. We liked the big berries.
Robert Y
on Mar 22, 2021
which thornless blackberry is the most erect and needs the least amount of trellising? Zone 5
Our first year kiowas taste bitter... Have we done something wrong? Why would they taste terribly bitter?
BEST ANSWER: The Kiowas turn black well before they are ripe. You need to wait until they soften before they are sweet. I was doing the same thing, until I realized they take a long time to ripen.
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- DILLON V on Jun 20, 2016
- Purchased on Dec 26, 2014
can you prune the plant at say 4-5 feet & will it bare fruit. Or is it better to let bush ramble ???
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you can maintain this plant at 4-5 ft and it will bare fruit. I planted my Kiowa in the spring and it had a few berries that summer. The berries were large. Accept for the thorns, I really like this plant.
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- CAROL L on Apr 21, 2016
- Purchased on Jan 21, 2015
I JUST PLANTED MY KIOWA BLACK BERRY'S ,DO I PUT A LIGHT DUSTING OF PLANT FOOD ? . ALSO HOW LONG DOSE IT TAKE FOR THEM TO CANE OUT AT 5 FEET TALL
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. The key is "light dusting." Don't overfertilize. Just a little 10-10-10, or better yet, we have a fertilizer formula made just for blackberries:
https://www.starkbros.com/products/tools-and-supplies/soil-additives/stark-blackberry-and-bramble-fertilizer
It's hard to say when your canes will reach 5'. It depends a great deal upon your soil, what you feed it, how much sun it gets, etc. They could get that tall in a year.
https://www.starkbros.com/products/tools-and-supplies/soil-additives/stark-blackberry-and-bramble-fertilizer
It's hard to say when your canes will reach 5'. It depends a great deal upon your soil, what you feed it, how much sun it gets, etc. They could get that tall in a year.
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- LeAnn Staff on Sep 4, 2016
What size are the plants in the cell packs?
BEST ANSWER: A Jumbo Cell Pack is a bigger version of the divided 6-packs in which you might have bought annuals or vegetable plants in at a garden center. These one-year-old plants are new starts - about 4-6" tall - and will grow rapidly during the next growing season.
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- LeAnn Staff on Jun 13, 2018
How far from a fence should I plant them?
BEST ANSWER: I plant mine 6 inches from the fence. They stay in a clump which just gets bigger around, they are not like a raspberry which sends runners all over the place and you are always cutting them out or digging out somewhere.
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- VICKI J on Mar 18, 2016
- Purchased on Aug 28, 2015
I plan to plant these at the front corner of my house which gets upwards of 10 hours of direct sun. The blueberries around the corner gets about 7 or 8 hours. Should i give it more or less sun?
BEST ANSWER: I have mine planted against a concrete block wall and they get 10-12 hours sun during the summer. I water a lot in Albuquerque NM so they grew extremely well and I love them.
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- PATRICK M on May 2, 2018
- Purchased on May 5, 2016
Developing berries look small?
BEST ANSWER: These berries grow largest in morning sun with plenty of moisture. If they get too hot of afternoon sun they won't grow to their largest size. They also respond best with high organic matter.
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- VICKI J on Feb 11, 2017
- Purchased on Aug 28, 2015
when can I order the Kiowa Blackberry Plants?
BEST ANSWER: If in the south now if not wait for your trees to bud green. Loves these have wild growing along fence line but these are like 3 times the size for the wild ones! Buds are coming in now on wild an Kiowa live in Florida!
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- Sheryl T on Mar 30, 2020
- Purchased on Mar 28, 2018
Is this a vine or dose it grow canes like other raspberries?
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. Kiowa is a summer-bearing floricane vs. a trailing vine. The fruit is enormous!
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- LeAnn Staff on Nov 16, 2016
Is the Kiowa BlackBerry upright or vining?
BEST ANSWER: Brad: I have 12 Kiowa blackberry plans that will be three years old this season. They have strong canes that that grow to 5' in length being more horizontal at first and getting more verticle as the plants develop mass for support.
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- Hal B on Jan 11, 2019
- Purchased on Mar 26, 2017
Will they bare fruit the first year and do I need to fertilize them ?
BEST ANSWER: The Kiowa Blackberry is one Prolific plant. Yes you should get blackberries the first year.I used worm castings in soil as I do with all my plants, this will not burn the roots. I don't think you need to at planting time unless you have poor soil then I would amend the soil. When the plant looks like its going to set blossoms I always fertilize around that time. This was one impressive plant! The size of these berries were extra large.It does has thorns but these berries are huge as seen in the picture and I will always have some in my garden. If i had to chose only one berry.. this one would be it!
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- Sherrell L on Mar 4, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 2, 2018
can I grow black berry under a young maple tree?
BEST ANSWER: I wouldn't try this, the maple will shade the blackberry too much, the vines will grow but not produce fruit like you would like to have!
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- VICKI J on May 28, 2016
- Purchased on Aug 28, 2015
Can I plant cucumbers,tomatoes,green beans etc. next to kiowa blakberries ?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you can, all vegetables can grow around them, you would just have to have the space for the sun to reach every thing ok. and don't let the cucumbers climb up your berry vines, as cucumbers can get a mold, which you don't want on your berries.
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- VICKI J on Mar 18, 2016
- Purchased on Aug 28, 2015
I just received a few plants in pots, one blackberry and one blueberry. Both have leaves and it is still cold and snowing here, should I keep them in pots until frost has past or should I plant them now?
BEST ANSWER: Mother Nature can be so unpredictable. :-) Here is a guide that tells you exactly what to do if you can't plant right away: //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/how-to-delay-planting
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- TiffanyF Staff on Mar 11, 2021
The Kiowa blackberry...can I plant this alternating with blueberry bushes in the same row?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Blueberry shrubs work well for planting near blackberries. They won't find themselves shaded out since they are about the same height as blackberries. Like blackberries, they prefer a sunny location.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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- TiffanyF Staff on Mar 1, 2021
Looking for blackberry variety to plant in zone 14?
BEST ANSWER: If you enter your ZIP code at the following link and we'll be able to display the popular products that are available and rated for your location: //www.starkbros.com/zone-finder Also look for check marked varieties as you shop to ensure compatibility with your zone. If you have more questions regarding zone compatibility, please call Customer Support at 800.325.4180 and they would be glad to help.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
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- TiffanyF Staff on Jan 28, 2021
Do they come in plants or roots?
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question! Our blackberry plants are sold either in the Jumbo Cell Pack have a shipping expectation of 4-6" tall or in the small gallon, they are about a foot tall with an advanced root system.
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- TiffanyF Staff on Jan 25, 2021
When you say 1 plant, is it litterly 1 or a pkg of 3?
BEST ANSWER: A Jumbo Cell Pack is a bigger version of the divided 6-packs in which you might have bought annuals or vegetable plants in at a garden center. These one-year-old plants are new starts - about 4-6" tall - and will grow rapidly during the next growing season.
The 1-gallon plant is in a #1 trade gallon pot (about 2/3 of a standard gallon) and is two years old, and has an an advanced root system. These plants are two years old and about a foot tall at shipping and 1 single plant is included in this pot.
The 1-gallon plant is in a #1 trade gallon pot (about 2/3 of a standard gallon) and is two years old, and has an an advanced root system. These plants are two years old and about a foot tall at shipping and 1 single plant is included in this pot.
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- TiffanyF Staff on Jan 26, 2021
Years ago, I bought Stark's " PLUOT " plum frees. They exceeded my expectations ! Are they still available through Stark's ?
BEST ANSWER: We are no longer offering this product; we keep the information on the website for the benefit of customers who have purchased it in the past. We usually discontinue a variety because we've discovered another variety that produces better fruit, is more disease resistant, cold-hardy, etc.
If you would like assistance in finding something similar, please contact our Customer Support Team at 800.325.4180 and we would be happy to help.
If you would like assistance in finding something similar, please contact our Customer Support Team at 800.325.4180 and we would be happy to help.
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- TiffanyF Staff on Jan 20, 2021
Can I pay now .... but wait on delivery....?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, we charge within 24 hours of your order being placed. If you would like us to ship your order at a different time, please contact our Customer Support Team at 800.325.4180. We would be glad to help you arrange what suits you and your growing zone best.
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- TiffanyF Staff on Jan 20, 2021
What thornless blackberries do well in so cal?
BEST ANSWER: If you enter your ZIP code at the following link and we'll be able to display the popular products that are available and rated for your location: //www.starkbros.com/zone-finder Also look for check marked varieties as you shop to ensure compatibility with your zone. If you have more questions regarding zone compatibility, please call Customer Support at 800.325.4180 and they would be glad to help.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
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- TiffanyF Staff on Nov 2, 2020
I bought a Kiowa blackberry, it looks more like a rose bush. It has a blueish flower on it. Did I get the right plant?
BEST ANSWER: I received your photo, thank you. That is most definitely a blackberry bush. When the blooms first start to open, they are darker than they are when they are fully open, which will be closer to white with a pinkish purple tinge. Looks like you have some really good soil there! Good luck with your crop.
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- LeAnn Staff on Jun 13, 2018
It says zone 5-8. I live in zone 9b. Will that be a problem?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, I'm afraid it will. It's too warm where you are and the plant won't have a chance to go dormant long enough to complete the fruiting cycle. The Triple Crown Thornless Blackberry is very well suited to where you live.
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- LeAnn Staff on Feb 17, 2018
What's the difference between the 3 cell pack and 1 gallon blackberry?
BEST ANSWER: Cell Packs are small potted plant starts (either 3 or 6 to an order) that are roughly 4-6" tall. The gallon pot contains one older plant (one year old) with a well established root system.
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- LeAnn Staff on Feb 16, 2017
Do you Carry a torn less Kiowa blackberry?
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. Kiowa, by nature, has thorns. A similar blackberry that doesn't have thorns is Ouachita, which you can investigate here:
https://www.starkbros.com/products/berry-plants/blackberry-plants/ouachita-thornless-blackberry
https://www.starkbros.com/products/berry-plants/blackberry-plants/ouachita-thornless-blackberry
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- LeAnn Staff on Oct 20, 2016
How will this fruit do as a hydroponic?
How seedy are they?
Difference between Florida was and primocane blackberries?
Customer Reviews
4.4 / 5.0
75 Reviews
Great choice for Southeast Texas!
I planted Kiowa and Quachita(thornless) about 3 years ago. While the Ouachita is a very good plant, it does not come close to the prolific production of the Kiowa. I have 3 rows about 20 ft long with 4 plants on each row. I pick about 4 to 5 one gallon containers during peak bearing season. I fertilize twice a year with 13-13-13 once in the spring and once in early fall. One thing to note, in hot climates such as southeast Texas, you will need to prune at least twice before cold weather sets in in order to control the height of the plant.
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KIOWA - The best Blackberries you can grow
I purchased my Kiowa Blackberries from Stark Brothers a few years ago. Everyone who sees the huge berries asks two questions : Where did you get them and How do they taste? I tell them that I bought them From Stark Brothers via Mail Order and then, I hand them a couple of berries to taste! Without exception, they all make the same comments as to how Huge they are and How sweet and delicious tasting they are! The canes are sturdy and prolific in bearing; And I prune out the last-year bearing canes each Spring to keep the area neat and easier to pick these luscious berries ! If you are going to plant just one cultivar of Blackberries, I urge you to get the Kiowa from Stark Brothers!
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August 21, 2016
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Some good characteristics
In zone 8A (upper SC) I got HUGE thick canes the second year with a good amount of large, thumb-sized berries. Beautiful looking. The taste was OK (not as sweet as wild ones) fresh. In pies and sweetbreads, they work very well. Fairly seedy "crunch". VERY thorny so wear leather when you pick. (Thorns curve backward and catch and hold clothes!) Don't even try to cover to prevent bird theft; let them ride. Pick when jet black and soft.
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March 13, 2016
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Delicious and vigorous grower
I planted it in December and the very next spring saw a few berries. I didn't realize how much it would grow, planted them too close to each other. Vines were 20 feet long, so they need to be trellised. This year (2nd season) they are loaded with huge berries (mid May). The only bad thing about this plant is that it's extremely thorny. I'm planning on using them along a fence in hopes thorns will keep some animals away.
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Large berries
I planted these last year. I bought 3 plants, They were three different sizes. A large one, a medium sized one and a small one. The large one had 6 berries the first year. This is the second year and they have grown quite a bit and have lots of berries. They also have large thorns. They produce good sized berries. If they keep growing like the first year, I will have a good sized berry patch. I am pleased with my purchase.
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Kiowa blackberries from Stark Bros.
Kiowa blackberries from Stark Bros. have proven to be exceptionally vigorous and hearty while growing prodigious amounts of the tart, juicy berries.
The second year plants produce long canes which wrap easily around wire stringers that make berry picking easy and fun.
They grow in clumps of four to five berries, many growing over one inch, some growing to two inches.
The bushes have a life cycle of five to six years.
On a side note, Stark Bros. ships the berry plants in specially designed containers which protect them well.
The second year plants produce long canes which wrap easily around wire stringers that make berry picking easy and fun.
They grow in clumps of four to five berries, many growing over one inch, some growing to two inches.
The bushes have a life cycle of five to six years.
On a side note, Stark Bros. ships the berry plants in specially designed containers which protect them well.
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HUGE BERRIES!!!!
I purchased 6 Kiowa Blackberries 2 years ago and got several quarts of Berries last year. The main reason I purchased them is because they are supposed to ripen in June. This gets them out ahead of the onslaught off Spotted Wing Drosophila flies which start getting bad towards the end of July. They need to be pruned properly to ripen in June. They do have thorns but I can put up with those. The berries are AMAZINGLY HUGE!!!
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Kiowa Blackberries
The berries are wonderful. They are huge! They freeze very well, just wash them and freeze in zip lock bag and they are ready to take out to make either jam or blackberry cobbler at any time. I am very pleased!
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Healthy looking start
Too early to see how this new plant will do, but on arrival the new baby looks good and green and ready to go. This plant arrived in November here. So we will see how the growth goes for this season!
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Love these Kiowa berries
In the first season, the bushes grew and developed. Second season, the berries are starting to friuit nicely. The berries are huge as pictured. This season looks to be a nice harvest.
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