Arapaho is a thornless, upright blackberry with sweet, firm berries, one of the easier blackberries to grow in Florida. (Rubus 'Arapaho')
Shop this plant: Arapaho Thornless Blackberry – 3 Gal
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun, at least 6-8 hours.
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter; raised beds help in South Florida.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Sun
Full sun, at least 6-8 hours.
Soil
Well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter; raised beds help in South Florida.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Drip irrigation and mulch are ideal.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Feed a balanced fertilizer in early spring when growth starts and again after harvest. Avoid feeding in late fall.
Pruning
After harvest, cut the canes that just fruited to the ground. Tip new canes at about 4 ft to encourage side branches that will fruit next year.
Cold Protection
Very cold hardy; dormant canes handle freezes well.
Container vs. In-Ground
Grows well in a 10-15 gallon container with good drainage.
Spacing
Plant 3-4 ft apart in rows 8-10 ft apart.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Fruits on second-year canes. Harvest in late spring (roughly April-June).
Harvest
Pick when berries are fully black and dull rather than shiny, and come off easily. Harvest every few days.
Common Pests and Diseases
Start with organic, low-impact fixes: good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit and leaves, and soaps or oils before anything stronger. Always follow label directions.
Cane and leaf rust
How to identify: Orange or yellow spots on leaves.
Organic-first treatment: Remove affected canes, prune for airflow, and avoid overhead watering.
Spider mites
How to identify: Fine stippling and bronzing on leaves, tiny webbing in dry weather.
Organic-first treatment: Hose leaf undersides regularly; spray insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Aphids and whiteflies
How to identify: Clusters of small soft insects on new growth; curled, sticky leaves.
Organic-first treatment: Blast off with a strong water spray, then use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings.
Birds
How to identify: Missing fruit.
Organic-first treatment: Net plants during ripening.
FAQ
Is Arapaho really thornless? Yes, the canes are thornless.
Does it grow in South Florida? It is low chill and does best in Central and North Florida, but can produce in South Florida with good care.
Related Reading
- Best Fruit Trees for Jacksonville and North Florida
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree More Than None
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes (and How to Protect Tender Ones)
Ready to grow your own? Get the Arapaho Thornless Blackberry here.
