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Arkansas Black apple tree

Arkansas Black
Arkansas Black is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Late
  • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
  • Pollination group: 3

Arkansas Black is a distinctive and attractive late-season apple, very much at home in the southern states. In the right conditions Arkansas Black can display very good flavor, although this is not an apple to eat straight from the tree - it really benefits from a month in a cold store.

The intense aromatic flavor makes it a good variety for cooking with, and it has become increasingly popular as an apple for cider production.

Arkansas Black apple trees for sale

You can pre-order now for spring 2025

  • 1Semi-dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
    G.210, G.214 rootstock
  • 2Semi-standard 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 10ft-16ft after 10 years
    Semi-vigorous rootstock
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season

How to grow

Arkansas Black has good general disease resistance, and is highly resistant to cedar apple rust. It is a triploid variety and cannot be used to pollinate other apples.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Arkansas, 1840s. Probably a seedling of Winesap - the dense flesh and distinctive flavor are reminscent.

Arkansas Black characteristics

  • Gardening skillAverage
  • Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
  • Pollination group3
  • Pollinating othersPoor
  • Picking seasonLate
  • UsesEating freshCulinaryJuiceHard cider
  • Keeping (of fruit)3 months or more
  • General resistanceGood
  • FireblightSome resistance
  • ScabSome resistance
  • Cedar apple rustVery resistant
  • Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 5 (-29C)
  • Summer maximum temperaturesWarm (25-30C / 76-85F)Hot (>30C / 86F)
  • Country of originUnited States
  • Period of origin1800 - 1849
  • Fruit colorCrimson

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.