Apache thornless blackberry

Name: Apache thornless blackberry

Botanical name: Rubus spp. 'Apache'

Light requirements: Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruit production. It thrives best in areas where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Soil and watering needs: This blackberry variety prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing and fruiting seasons. However, avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root diseases.

Description: The Apache thornless blackberry is a high-yielding, erect blackberry cultivar with self-supporting canes. It's known for its lack of thorns, which makes harvesting easier and more pleasant. The berries are large, firm, and have an excellent, sweet flavor. They typically ripen in mid to late summer.

Medicinal and other uses: Blackberries are known for their high antioxidant content, including vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber. They are used in various culinary applications, from fresh eating to jams, jellies, and baking.

Origin and distribution: 'Apache' is one of the University of Arkansas’s blackberry cultivars, developed for its fruit quality and thornless canes. It's suitable for growth in many temperate regions and is popular in home gardens and commercial production.

Interesting facts: The Apache thornless blackberry is known for its large fruit size, some of the biggest among blackberry varieties. It has a longer storage life compared to many other blackberry varieties. The plant's erect growth habit makes it easier to train and manage than trailing blackberry varieties.

Ideal conditions and care: This blackberry variety benefits from regular pruning to remove old canes and encourage new growth. It's relatively easy to care for due to its disease resistance and thornless canes. Supporting the canes with a trellis can be beneficial for managing growth and improving berry quality. Watch this short video to learn how to prune your thornless blackberries!