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.
Key Characteristics of Ouachita Blackberry Plant:
Origin: 'Ouachita' is a thornless, erect-growing blackberry cultivar (Rubus fruticosus) developed by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture fruit breeding program under the direction of Dr. John R. Clark. It was released in 2003. It was bred for its high yields, good fruit quality, thornless canes, and upright growth habit.
Patent Status: 'Ouachita' Blackberry was protected by U.S. Plant Patent PP17,162 until it expired 2023-10-24.
Berry Production: Produces medium to large-sized, firm, glossy black berries with a sweet flavor and good sugar content. It is known for its consistently high yields, often producing 4-6 quarts per plant. The berries have good post-harvest handling and storage life, making them suitable for both fresh markets and home use.
Ripening Time: 'Ouachita' is a mid-season ripening blackberry, typically maturing in mid to late June and with a fruiting period that extends for about 5 weeks. This places its ripening time between the earlier 'Arapaho' and the later 'Navaho' thornless blackberries from the University of Arkansas.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Ouachita' features fully erect, thornless canes that typically reach a height of 4 to 6 feet. Its upright growth habit is a significant advantage, often eliminating the need for trellising, although support can be beneficial under heavy fruit loads.
Flowers: Produces large, attractive white flowers in the spring on floricanes (second-year canes). It is self-pollinating.
Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, showing good adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions, including heat tolerance.
Pollination: 'Ouachita' is self-pollinating and does not require another blackberry variety for fruit set. However, planting multiple plants can still improve overall pollination and yield.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5). Good drainage is crucial to prevent root diseases.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Regular watering is important, particularly during dry periods.
Pruning: Requires annual pruning. After the early to mid-summer harvest, the floricanes (canes that produced fruit) should be cut back to ground level and removed. New primocanes (first-year canes) that will produce fruit the following year should be tipped (cut back at around 4 feet tall) in late winter or early spring to encourage lateral branching and increase yield.
Uses: The sweet, firm berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Jams and preserves
Freezing
Baking and desserts
Commercial production due to its high yields, good fruit quality, and thornless nature.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: The thornless, upright canes and attractive foliage, along with the production of abundant berries, can add ornamental value to the edible landscape.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Ouachita' is reported to have good disease resistance, including resistance to rosette disease.
