Arkansas Black Apple Tree
One of the most striking and beautiful apples, Arkansas Black Apple Tree fruit ranges in color from dark purple to almost black when ripe. This delicious and aromatic fruit is prized for fresh eating, cider and baking and keeps its quality for several months in storage.
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Latin Name: Malus
Site and Soil: All apples like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description:
M-7 is considered a semi-dwarf rootstock growing 12-16 ft. in height. M-7 is very hardy and adapted to most soils. Vigorous, drought tolerant, and well anchored, trees on M-7 should not require staking.
M-26 is considered a dwarf rootstock, growing 8-12 ft. in height. M-26 induces early bearing, usually in 2-3 years after planting, and grows well in most soils, except very wet and poorly drained ones. On windy sites, trees grafted on M-26 may need staking.
Pollination Requirements: All apples need another variety nearby for pollination. Neighboring trees often offer sufficient pollen for good fruit set. Consider Mason Bees to help pollinate and increase fruit production.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 30° F or below.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: Dwarf 8-12ft. / Semi-dwarf 12-16 ft.
Taste: Aromatic, sweet-tart
Fruit Skin: Dark purple to almost black
Fruit Flesh: White
Bloom Time: April
Ripening Time: October
Yield: 30-50 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Arkansas Black can be affected by Apple Scab. Apple Scab is more prevalent in regions with wet springs, like we have in the Pacific Northwest. While it doesn’t seriously affect the eating quality of the fruit, it can cause black spots on the apples and foliage. Apple Scab can be controlled by sulfur and other sprays. Codling Moth can create wormy apples and aphids can damage the foliage of apple trees.
USDA Zone: 4-8