These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
12-18 inch bare root plant.
Apache Thornless Blackberry (Rubus 'Apache')
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Apache' is an erect, thornless blackberry cultivar developed by the University of Arkansas and released in 1999. It was bred from a cross between Arkansas Selection 1007 (non-patented) and 'Navaho' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,679). It is known for its high yields of large, sweet berries and its thornless canes.
Patent Status: 'Apache' Thornless Blackberry was protected by **U.S. Plant Patent PP11,865**, held by University of Arkansas at Fayetteville until it expired on 2019-01-11. It is now considered a public domain variety and can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces large (8-10 g), glossy black, firm, conical berries. It is known for its high and consistent yields, typically ranging from 5 to 7 lbs per plant, which is significantly higher than 'Navaho'. The fruit has a good, sweet flavor with soluble solids averaging around 10 °Brix.
Ripening Time: Ripens in the **late mid-season**, approximately 5 days later than 'Navaho' and about 10 days or more later than 'Arapaho', typically around mid to late June in central Arkansas. The harvest period is concentrated, lasting about 5 weeks.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Apache' has an erect growth habit, with canes typically reaching 5-8 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide. It is genetically thornless. The canes are strong and generally do not require trellising, especially if primocanes are tipped at around 42 inches to encourage lateral growth.
Flowers: Produces typical blackberry flowers on floricanes (second-year canes).
Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. It has a chilling requirement of around 800 hours.
Pollination: 'Apache' is self-pollinating (self-fertile) and does not require another blackberry variety for fruit production.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 7.5.
Watering: Consistent watering is important, especially during fruit development.
Fertilizing: Follow general recommendations for blackberry fertilization.
Pruning: Being floricane-fruiting, prune out the canes that fruited after harvest. Tip primocanes during the growing season to encourage branching.
Uses: Excellent for:
Fresh eating due to its large size and sweet flavor.
Jams, jellies, and preserves.
Freezing.
Commercial production due to its high yields and thornless nature.
Home gardens.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife. Bird netting may be necessary to protect the crop.
Ornamental Value: The erect, thornless canes and attractive berries can add some ornamental appeal to the garden.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Apache' exhibits moderate tolerance to anthracnose and appears immune to orange rust. It is generally considered to have good plant health.
