Apache Thornless Blackberry

Apache Thornless Blackberry

Apache is a high-quality, thornless, erect blackberry variety developed by the University of Arkansas. It is prized for its large, glossy black berries, excellent sweetness, and consistently high yields. The firm, flavorful fruit is ideal for fresh eating, baking, preserves, and freezing.

This variety combines strong performance with easy maintenance. Apache is known for its tolerance to heat and drought, as well as good disease resistance, making it a dependable and rewarding choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Its thornless canes make harvesting more comfortable and convenient.

Mature Size: 4–6 ft. tall
Spacing: 3–4 ft. apart
Harvest Season: Mid-summer (typically July for 4–6 weeks)
Growth Habit: Erect, thornless canes

Growing Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun Exposure: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily for best fruit production)
Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (ideal range 6.0–6.5)

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit development. Provide about 1–2 inches of water per week. Water deeply once or twice weekly rather than shallow daily watering. Good drainage is essential, as blackberries do not tolerate standing water.

Sunlight

Full sun is essential for maximum berry size, sweetness, and yield. Plants may tolerate light afternoon shade in very hot climates, but heavy shade will reduce fruit production.

Fertilizing

Feed plants to support vigorous cane growth and heavy fruiting:

• Early Spring (as new growth begins): Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at a rate of ½ cup per plant, spread evenly in a circle 12–18 inches from the crown. Water thoroughly after application.

• Late Spring to Early Summer (after flowering): Apply a lighter feeding of ¼–½ cup per plant to support strong cane growth and fruit development.

Compost or well-aged manure can also be used as a natural alternative. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to leafy growth with reduced fruiting.

Pruning

Apache blackberries fruit on second-year canes (floricanes).

• During the growing season, tip new first-year canes (primocanes) when they reach about 4 feet tall to encourage side branching

• After harvest, remove canes that produced fruit by cutting them at ground level
• In late winter, trim lateral branches (side shoots growing from main canes) back to about 12–18 inches
• Remove weak, damaged, or overcrowded canes to improve airflow and sunlight penetration

What does “tipping” mean?
Tipping means cutting off the top 1–2 inches of a young, upright cane once it reaches the desired height. This encourages the plant to grow side branches, which produce more fruit and help keep the plant manageable.

Harvesting

Apache berries typically begin ripening in July and continue producing for 4–6 weeks. Fruit is ready to pick when berries are fully black, plump, and detach easily with a gentle pull.

Harvest every few days during peak production. Handle berries gently and refrigerate soon after picking. Use fresh within a few days or preserve by freezing, canning, or making jams.

Propagation

Blackberries can be propagated by tip layering or root cuttings.

Tip layering:

1. In late summer, select a long, flexible cane.

2. Bend the tip down to the soil surface and bury it 2–3 inches deep.

3. Keep soil moist while roots develop.

4. Once rooted, cut the new plant from the parent cane and transplant.

Root cuttings:

1. During dormancy (late fall or early spring), dig a healthy root about the thickness of a pencil.

2. Cut into 2–4 inch sections.

3. Plant horizontally in well-drained soil and cover with about 1 inch of soil.

4. Keep lightly moist until shoots appear, then transplant once established.

Plant Quality

Our Apache Thornless Blackberry plants are produced from tissue culture stock. This process helps produce clean, uniform plants with reduced risk of disease and strong, vigorous growth from the start.