Arkansas Black Apple Tree
Description
About the Arkansas Black Apple Tree
A popular, disease-resistant apple tree for a delicious, consistent crop! The Arkansas Black Apple tree is a cultivar of apple that is known for its dark red to almost black skin and firm, crisp flesh. It is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century in Arkansas, although its exact origins are not well documented.
The Arkansas Black Apple is a medium to large apple, with a round to slightly conical shape. Its skin is a deep, dark red to almost black color, and it is covered in a thin, waxy bloom. The flesh of the apple is white or pale yellow, and it is firm and crisp.
The Arkansas Black Apple has a sweet and slightly tart flavor, and it is often used for cooking and baking. It holds its shape well when cooked and has a sweet, slightly tart flavor that pairs well with a variety of flavors. The Arkansas Black Apple is a popular choice for pies, crisps, and other baked goods, and it can also be used to make cider, jams, and jellies. It is a great keeper, staying fresh with proper long-term storage.
How to Grow an Arkansas Black Apple Tree
The Arkansas Black Apple tree is a hardy and vigorous tree, with a strong root system and an upright growth habit. The tree blooms in the spring, producing small, white flowers that give way to fruit in the fall. The Arkansas Black Apple tree is resistant to many common apple pests and diseases, making it a popular choice for backyard orchards and homesteads.
Overall, the Arkansas Black Apple is a delicious and versatile apple that is well-suited for a variety of uses. Its dark red to almost black skin and firm, crisp flesh make it a popular choice for both fresh eating and cooking, and its hardy nature makes it a good choice for beginner and experienced fruit growers alike.
Pollinator required: Choose another apple variety. See Recommended Pollinators below.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Time | Mid - Late |
| Chill Hours | 800 - 1500 |
| Fruit Color | Red |
| Fruit Size | Medium - Large |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 8 |
| Pollination | Pollinator Required |
| Ripens/Harvest | October |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Taste | Tart |
| Texture | Very Firm |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 5 |
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow apple trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Questions & Answers
A chill hour is the amount of chilling received by a plant at 45 degrees F. The chilling requirement is the total number of hours required during the winter for a particular cultivar to induce the tree to break dormancy and produce flowers. Regions vary greatly in the amount of chilling they receive.
Yes, your current apple varieties and the ones you're considering should be fine for pollination! Here's why:
Pollination Overview:
Cross-Pollination Requirements:
Apple trees require cross-pollination from another variety with overlapping bloom times to set fruit. All the varieties you currently have (Starkspur Arkansas Black, Candy Crisp, Starkspur Winesap, and Jon-A-Red) bloom in mid to late season, making them excellent pollination partners.
Pink Lady and Honeycrisp:
Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): Blooms in the mid to late season and is compatible with your existing varieties.
Honeycrisp: Blooms mid-season and is also an excellent pollinator for your other trees.
Compatibility:
Candy Crisp and Jon-A-Red are good pollinators for both Pink Lady and Honeycrisp.
Starkspur Winesap is a triploid, meaning it cannot pollinate other trees, but it can still be pollinated by the diploid varieties you already have.
Starkspur Arkansas Black will benefit from the added pollination partners as well.
Suggestions:
Adding both Pink Lady and Honeycrisp will enhance the diversity of pollinators and ensure reliable fruit production across your orchard.
Ensure the trees are spaced within 50-100 feet of each other for effective pollination by bees.
Please see out growing guide on pruning apple trees https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/how-to-grow/fruit-trees/apple-trees/pruning
Customer Reviews
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Years ago there was an orchard E of Independence MO who had this apple and it was the best semi tart apple I ever ate1
We wanted an apple tree with a different color to complement all the other trees we have. Also, our friend has some of these and they taste great.
Love Arkansas Black & want to grow my own