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.
Osage Blackberry (Rubus 'Osage')
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Osage' is an erect, thornless blackberry cultivar developed at the University of Arkansas by John R. Clark and James N. Moore. It was released in 2012. It is a result of a cross between 'Arapaho' and 'Navaho' and was selected for its excellent flavor, high yields, and consistent production.
Patent Status: 'Osage' Blackberry is protected by U.S. Plant Patent 26,120, held by University of Arkansas at Little Rock until it expires on 2033-10-16. This plant patent grants the breeder exclusive rights to asexually reproduce the plant. Unauthorized propagation or sale of the cultivar is prohibited during the term of the patent.
Berry Production: Produces medium to large-sized, firm, glossy black berries with an outstanding sweet flavor and a good balance of acidity. It is known for having one of the best flavors among thornless blackberries from the University of Arkansas breeding program. It is a high-yielding variety with consistent production.
Ripening Time: 'Osage' is a mid-season ripening blackberry, typically ripening after 'Arapaho' and around the same time as or slightly before 'Navaho'. The harvest window usually occurs in late June to mid-July, lasting for several weeks.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Osage' has an erect growth habit, meaning the canes grow upright and generally do not require trellising, although support may be beneficial when the canes are heavily laden with fruit. The canes are thornless, making harvesting and pruning much easier. Mature plants can reach 4-6 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width.
Flowers: Produces typical white blackberry flowers in the spring on the previous year's canes (floricanes).
Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9. It offers good winter hardiness for these regions.
Pollination: 'Osage' is self-fertile and does not require another blackberry variety for pollination.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production and flavor (at least 6-8 hours per day).
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). Good drainage is essential to prevent root diseases.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing: Benefits from appropriate fertilization in early spring and again after the harvest.
Pruning: Blackberries fruit on floricanes. After fruiting, these canes should be pruned back to the ground. New primocanes (first-year canes) should be tipped (cut back) in late winter or early spring to encourage lateral branching for the following year's fruit production.
Uses: The berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating due to their exceptional flavor.
Freezing well for later use.
Making jams, jellies, and preserves.
Baking in pies, cobblers, and other desserts.
Local market sales and home gardens due to their high fruit quality.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: The erect, thornless canes and attractive berries can add visual appeal to the garden.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Osage' exhibits good resistance to several common blackberry diseases, including anthracnose and orange rust. It also has shown good tolerance to double blossom/rosette.
