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Arkansas Black Apple
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Now here's an heirloom Apple that's decidedly different! The fruits turn deep, dark, purply red, making this one easy to pick out of a crowd. But its uniqueness isn't merely skin deep. The pale yellow flesh is complex in its flavor. Apple connoisseurs may pick up notes of honey and vanilla underneath the classic sweet-tart apple taste. Arkansas Black is an extremely firm and crunchy fruit when picked; in storage it mellows in firmness and flavor. It's also a good keeper. Arkansas Black stays fresh in the fridge for months, so you can space out your apple-eating, and you'll never grow tired of them!
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Spacing: 12-15'
- Exposure: Full Sun
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Recommended by Our Growers
The Story
The Arkansas Black Apple Tree is said to have originated in the 1840s in the orchard of a Benton County, Arkansas settler named John Crawford. It is probably a descendent of the spicy-tart Winesap Apple. Arkansas Black is a triploid Tree, which means that it needs another Apple Tree to pollinate it, but it cannot pollinate another Apple Tree in return. Many Apples will do the job; Golden Delicious and Fuji are most often utilized. Many Crabapples will also work. A Crabapple is a good choice as pollinator if you decide that the harvest from one Apple Tree is plenty for your needs!
The Details
Arkansas Black is excellent for fresh eating, but it also makes a luscious pie. Its nuanced flavors give your pastries a rich and satisfying taste, and the variety's high pectin content ensures that the filling will be stable and never runny.
How to Grow
In general, Apple Trees are easy to grow, but getting a big harvest of unblemished fruit can be a real challenge, as there are a several pests and diseases that find Apples (like the Arkansas Black) as tasty as we do! There are many steps you can take, however, to protect your Tree in effective but responsible ways. Our Growers are happy to help you find the best plan for you; contact them anytime at grower@bowerandbranch.com. Practicing good culture and hygiene will go a long way towards keeping your Tree strong and healthy. Plant your Arkansas Black Apple Tree in full sun in a site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Water regularly and mulch to keep the root zone cool and evenly moist. And always promptly remove and destroy any diseased branches, leaves, or fruit. Arkansas Black is more tolerant of high heat and humidity than other Apples.
More Info
Questions & Answers
Q: How big will this Tree grow?
A: We grow the Arkansas Black Apple on a semi-dwarfing rootstock (S-M7). This will give you an apple that will grow 12-15' in height and width before pruning to form. You can expect a substantial harvest in 3 to 5 years using this rootstock, or about 3 years after planted at your home
Q: What other variety of Apple do I need to pollinate my Arkansas Black?
A: The Arkansas Black Apple is best pollinated by a variety of Apples: the Braeburn, Cortland, Empire and Gala are just a few!
One note to make is that the Arkansas Black Apple is what we call a triploid - meaning it has three chromosomes as opposed to two (like most other Apples). This means that it will not pollinate any other Apple - it is 'sterile'. If you plant an Arkansas Black, two other Apple Trees are required nearby, each of different varieties, which can cross-pollinate each other as well as the triploid Tree. This might sway you from growing triploid varieties, but they have many advantages including very good disease resistance!
Size Guide
Scale
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Size A Trees:
5-6’ tall. Grown and shipped in our #7 fruit tree container. You can expect fruiting in your very first year! Pruned for fruit production. The hard work has been done for you, time to enjoy.
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