Arkansas Black Spur Apple Tree
With deep crimson, almost purple skin, the Arkansas Black Spur apple is a striking apple. It is very similar to the Arkansas Black Apple except the Arkansas Black Spur offers a much more compact size and growth habit due to the buds and branches growing more closely together. This apple is crunchy in texture, with smooth waxy skin, and well balanced sweetness to acidity. It is great for baking, fresh eating and is a favorite of cider makers. Another benefit of this apple is the wide range of temperatures it can handle, from icy winters to blazing hot summers. This tree also blooms late, avoiding frost bitten blooms.
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Latin Name: Malus sp.
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