How to Grow Arkansas Black Apple
Arkansas Black Apple
Malus domestica 'Arkansas Black'
treeArkansas Black is a late-season apple variety known for its very dark, deep red to nearly black skin and excellent storage qualities. This heirloom cultivar produces firm, crisp fruit with a slightly tart flavor and is renowned for its longevity in storage. The tree is moderately vigorous and a reliable producer in most climates.
When should you plant Arkansas Black Apple in your zone?
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Example Arkansas Black Apple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arkansas Black Apple
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Arkansas Black Apple
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arkansas Black Apple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8; best in zones 6-7
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Get my Arkansas Black Apple timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2 yearsYoung tree focuses on root and branch development; minimal or no fruiting. Tree reaches 4-6 feet tall in first 2 years.
Water regularly, stake if necessary, thin competing branches to establish strong central leader, remove any flowers the first 2 years to encourage vegetative growth.
Juvenile Fruiting
2-3 yearsTree begins producing small clusters of white-pink blossoms in spring; light fruit sets. Tree reaches 8-12 feet tall.
Thin fruit aggressively to 4-6 inches apart to improve size and sugar content, continue pruning to maintain shape, apply dormant spray in late winter.
Flowering
2-3 weeksAbundant white-pink blossoms appear in mid-to-late spring (late April-May in most zones). Blooms are self-fertile but production is enhanced with cross-pollinator present.
Ensure pollinating insects are active, avoid spraying pesticides during bloom, monitor for frost (late frosts can damage blossoms), do not prune at this time.
Fruit Development & Summer Growth
12-14 weeksFruits develop quickly after pollination, reaching marble size by early June. Skin gradually darkens from green to deep red throughout summer. Tree canopy fills out.
Thin remaining fruitlets to 1 per cluster and 4-6 inches apart for larger apples, thin branches for light penetration, water deeply during dry spells, monitor for pests and diseases.
Harvest & Late Maturity
4-6 weeksFruits mature late (September-October), developing signature very dark red to nearly black color. Flesh is firm and dense; flavor improves in cool fall weather.
Pick when fruit separates easily from branch with gentle lift (Brix reading 14+), handle carefully to avoid bruising, store immediately in cool location (32-35°F), apply dormant oil in late fall to control overwintering pests.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use pheromone traps for monitoring, apply kaolin clay in early summer, release parasitic wasps, remove fallen fruit promptly, thin fruit to reduce hiding spaces
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Hang red ball traps early June, apply spinosad or organic insecticide in mid-summer, remove fallen fruit, use exclusion bags on developing fruit
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Spray dormant oil in late fall and early spring, prune out heavily infested branches, release ladybugs, monitor with hand lens
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Prune for air circulation, avoid high nitrogen fertilizer, spray sulfur or neem oil in spring, remove infected leaves promptly
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Remove juniper trees nearby, apply fungicide at petal fall, thin canopy for better air flow, plant resistant varieties nearby
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Handpick early morning, use pheromone traps away from tree, apply neem oil, encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
Uses
Fresh eating and long-term storage
CulinaryArkansas Black apples are excellent for fresh eating with a crisp, firm texture and slightly tart flavor that balances sweetness. Their exceptional storage longevity—up to 6 months or more in cool conditions—makes them prized for home gardeners seeking winter fruit supply. [source]
Baking and cooking
CulinaryThe firm flesh and slight tartness make Arkansas Black ideal for baking (pies, tarts), making applesauce, and cider production. Their dense structure holds up well to heat and extended cooking without becoming mushy. [source]
Cider and fermentation
HouseholdArkansas Black apples are excellent for hard cider production due to their good sugar and acid balance. The firm fruit also stores well before processing, allowing batch fermentation. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeThe abundant spring blossoms attract honeybees and native pollinators. Fallen fruit provides food for deer, wildlife, and birds throughout fall and early winter. [source]
Ornamental and heirloom value
CraftArkansas Black is a beautiful heirloom apple tree that produces stunning dark fruit contrasting with green foliage. The distinctive appearance and historical significance make it popular for heritage orchards and educational displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Arkansas Black is a late-season apple, typically ready to harvest late September through October in zones 6-7. Pick when the fruit develops its characteristic very dark red to nearly black color and separates easily from the branch with a gentle upward twist. The fruit will not ripen further after picking, so wait until fully mature. These apples are famous for their exceptional storage capability—they can be stored 4-6 months (or longer) in cool conditions (32-35°F with 85-90% humidity). Handle carefully to avoid bruising, as damaged fruit will deteriorate rapidly despite Arkansas Black's hardy nature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arkansas Black was likely developed in Benton County, Arkansas in the 1870s, and its origins trace to either a Winesap or Shiloh seedling, though exact parentage remains uncertain.
- 🌱 The distinctive nearly black coloration of mature Arkansas Black apples comes from a high concentration of anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid), which also increases antioxidant content compared to lighter-colored apple varieties.
- 🌱 Arkansas Black apples develop a characteristic flavor improvement during storage—they actually become sweeter and creamier after 2-3 months of cool storage as starches convert to sugars, making them ideal 'storage apples' that improve with time.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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