The Best Thornless Blackberries for Florida

Apache

• Apache is an erect variety of blackberry that is thornless and highly disease resistant. Introduced in 1999 by the University of Arkansas, it produces higher yields and larger fruit than other thornless cultivars, according to the University of Florida. It produces a 10-g berry that is conical in shape and glossy black. Apache is a good blackberry to eat fresh or for use in pies, jams and jellies.

Arapaho

• Another blackberry variety introduced from the University of Arkansas breeding program, Arapaho is suggested for use in northern areas of Florida. It bears a 4.5-g berry that is firm and has an excellent flavor. Arapaho is the earliest blooming variety of thornless blackberry, blooming in June before "Apache" and "Navaho." Aprapaho grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet and is resistant to double blossom and rust.

Navaho

• Released by the University of Arkansas in 1989, Navaho is an erect growing variety of thornless blackberry with moderate to high yields. It produces a 3.5- to 4-g berry that has an excellent sweet flavor. Navaho is resistant to double blossom and rosette.

Ouachita

• Ouachita is an erect growing variety of blackberry released from the University of Arkansas breeding program. It has a consistently high yield in Florida and is a large berry that weighs 6 to 6.5 g and has very good flavor. Oachita is resistant to double blossom and rosette.