Rubus ‘Arapaho’

Rubus ‘Arapaho’: Early, Thornless Blackberry Favourite

Rubus ‘Arapaho’ is a thornless blackberry that starts the season early, offering one of the first harvests among thornless types. Clusters of pinkish-white flowers appear in spring, followed by glossy blackberries with a small seed, making them especially enjoyable fresh. The upright, manageable habit keeps the planting neat and makes picking simpler and more comfortable. Plant it in full sun and you will be rewarded with a productive, garden-friendly berry patch that feels easy to live with.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–180 cm
• Spread: 90–120 cm
• Flower Colour: Pinkish-white
• Flowering Period: Spring, with fruit ripening early in the season
• Foliage: Deciduous green foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil

Uses and Benefits: A great choice for edible gardens, sunny fences, and dedicated berry rows, ‘Arapaho’ combines strong production with an easier harvest thanks to thornless canes. Use it where you can access both sides of the plant for picking, or train it along a simple support to keep canes tidy. The early harvest extends the berry season, and the glossy fruit is excellent for fresh eating, baking, and freezing.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil, then water regularly during the first season and during dry spells, especially while fruit is forming. Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch a few centimetres back from the canes. After fruiting, remove the canes that produced berries at ground level, then thin crowded new canes to improve airflow. A simple trellis or tie-in support helps keep growth upright and makes harvesting even easier.

History: ‘Arapaho’ is valued as an early-producing thornless blackberry, selected for a productive habit and berries that are pleasant to eat thanks to their smaller seed. It has become a popular choice for home gardeners who want a reliable crop without the hassle of prickly canes.

Final Thoughts: For an early, thornless blackberry that keeps harvesting comfortable and flavour front and centre, ‘Arapaho’ is a smart pick that helps summer taste a little sweeter from the very start.