Blackberry 'Apache' (Rubus canadensis)
Regular price $19.95Big, Sweet Berries Without the Thorns
Blackberry ‘Apache’ (Rubus ‘Apache’) is a thornless, deciduous perennial fruiting plant released in 1998 through the University of Arkansas blackberry breeding program. A member of the Rosaceae family, which also includes peaches and loquats, Apache is prized for its exceptionally large berries, reliable yields, and sweet flavor. Its erect canes grow upright without requiring trellising support, making it a convenient choice for home gardens and edible landscapes.
In summer, fragrant white flowers attract pollinators before developing into plump clusters of glossy, dark blackberries. Apache is known for producing particularly large fruit compared with other popular thornless varieties, including Arapaho and Natchez. Enjoy the juicy berries fresh from the plant or add them to smoothies, cereal, sherbets, baked goods, and homemade preserves.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Blackberries are a beloved summer fruit, enjoyed fresh and used in everything from breakfast bowls to pies and preserves. Apache makes harvesting especially pleasant with its thornless canes and large, sweet berries. Its fragrant flowers also support pollinators, adding ecological value to a productive backyard planting.
Why Grow Apache Blackberry?
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Harvest exceptionally large, juicy blackberries with a sweet, flavorful taste.
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Enjoy thornless canes for easier harvesting and garden maintenance.
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Grow upright canes that generally do not require trellising support.
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Attract pollinators with fragrant white spring flowers.
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Use fresh summer berries in smoothies, cereal, sherbets, desserts, and preserves.
Growing Tips
Also known as: Apache Blackberry
Plant Apache Blackberry in full sun and provide rich, well-draining soil with consistent moisture during active growth and fruiting. This fast-growing, thornless perennial has an upright growth habit and typically reaches about 5 ft. tall without requiring trellising support. Water regularly during dry periods, especially while berries are developing, and prune out canes that have finished fruiting to encourage healthy new growth. Harvest berries in summer when they are fully black, plump, and easily detach from the plant. Our Apache Blackberry plants are grown from tissue culture and can begin producing fruit within 1–2 years. Apache is self-fertile and hardy outdoors in Zones 3–8; it can also be grown in containers or a greenhouse in Zone 4 and above.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Rubus ‘Apache’ |
| Common Name | Apache Blackberry |
| Native To | Arkansas |
| Traditional Uses | Culinary |
| Plant Type | Deciduous Perennial Fruiting Shrub |
| Harvest Season | Summer |
| Mature Size | 5 ft. tall |
| Soil & Moisture | Rich, well-draining soil |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Thorns | Thornless |
| Growth Habit | Erect, upright canes |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors: Zones 3–8; Patio/Greenhouse: Zone 4+ |
| Propagation | Tissue culture |
| Time to Fruit | Capable of producing within 1–2 years |
| Fruit | Large, dark black berries |
| Fruit Flavor | Sweet and juicy |
| Flower Color | White |
| Culinary Uses | Fresh eating, smoothies, cereal, sherbets, desserts, preserves |
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