Are Arapaho Blackberry Bushes Self-Pollinating?

Pollination

• "Arapaho" blackberry bushes (Rubus spp. "Arapaho") are self-fruitful, meaning that you don't need to plant another variety to pollinate them and produce fruit. The flowers appear in late spring and the fruit typically ripens from early to mid-summer, depending on your climate. The blossoms are pollinated by bees, and one plant can produce 8 to 10 quarts of fruit. "Arapaho" blackberry bushes produce fruit on floricanes, or one-year-old canes.

Troubleshooting

• Although "Arapaho" blackberry bushes don't need a pollinator, they do need the right growing conditions to produce fruit. The plants are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, but they can sustain damage from late spring frosts. If the blossoms freeze, they won't produce fruit. To protect the plants from harsh winters, bend the canes to the ground and cover them with dirt or straw. You might also try growing a primocane variety that produces fruit on new canes. Poor pollination sometimes occurs because there aren't enough bees around. Cool, rainy weather or pesticide use can limit bees. Use pesticides with caution and apply them late in the evening when bees are less active. "Arapaho" blackberry bushes, like most blackberry varieties, need a soil pH between 5.5 and 7, and consistent watering. Highly alkaline soils and drought conditions can slow fruit production.

Uses

• The "Arapaho" blackberry is a large, sweet fruit with a slightly firm texture and pleasing flavor. The berries are highly perishable. Refrigerate them and use them fresh within two or three days. The berries can also be frozen, canned or made into pies, jams and syrups.

Growth

• Developed by the University of Arkansas, the "Arapaho" blackberry bush is a thornless variety, which simplifies harvest and care. It has an erect form and doesn't require a trellis. Plant blackberry bushes 2 to 4 feet apart, in rows spaced 10 feet apart. Prune the top 2 inches off each young cane when the plants stand about 4 feet tall to encourage branching and fruit production. Cut old canes back to the ground in late winter.