Simmons Plant Farm

Straight from the grower to you!

Blackberries

APACHE (Pat. #11865)

Apache is an erect-growing, high quality, productive blackberry. It produces larger and higher yields than previously-released Arkansas thornless blackberries. Apache fruit is blocky, conical, and very attractive with a glossy, black finish. Apache has a good flavor and would be excellent for home gardeners, as well as the commercial grower.

 

OUACHITA

Thornless variety with very erect canes and a very good flavor. This blackberry is large and high yielding lasting up to five weeks. Ouachita plants grow well in good loose soil. This is one of our top choices for a Thornless blackberry.

 

ARAPAHO (Pat. # 8150)

An erect thornless blackberry! Introduced James N. Moore and John R. Clark and released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station as the earliest ripening thornless blackberry. It ripens about 11 days earlier than the Navaho. The berry is short conic in shape, firm and bright glossy black much like the Navaho. An important, positive characteristic of the Arapaho is its small seed size and it is very erect. Plants have shown good resistance to cold injury and no disease problems have been noted. This will be a great thornless for home gardeners.

 

NAVAHO (Pat. # 6679)

An erect thornless blackberry introduced by J.N. Moore and John R. Clark. Released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. The fruit of Navaho is short conic in shape, firm and bright glossy black in color. The flavor is less tart than the other thornless varieties. The outstanding characteristics of the Navaho are its thornless, erect, self-supporting cans, and its superior fruit quality. Navaho is expected to be of value in home gardens and commercial pick-your-own operations.

 

CHESTER

First thornless blackberry with hardiness. Large, high quality fruit that does not lose color due to the heat. Chester will be firmer and less tart than Black Satin. Berries ripen in July.

 

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Plant blackberries 3 to 4 feet apart in the row and 8 to 10 feet between rows. Work up soil as deep as possible. It is best to prepare soil a month in advance if possible. Mark off row and dig holes for the plants. Put the plant in the prepared hole, with roots spread naturally. Water the plant. Fill hole with moist top soil and then firm soil with hands. Do not put fertilizer in hole with plants. Fertilize after plants start to green up and start growing. Fertilize lightly the first time and do not put fertilizer directly on plant. Remove old canes after they have borne fruit each summer.

 

Thorny Blackberries

 

CHICKASAW (Pat. # 11861)

Chickasaw has large fruit, high yields, and good fruit quality. Fruit of Chickasaw are long cylindrical, and slightly flattened in shape. The fruit is very attractive with a glossy black finish. Good for freezing and all purpose use. Excellent for home garden and commercial growers.

 

KIOWA (Pat. # 9861)

A new release from the Arkansas Agricultural Station. Kiowa produces the largest blackberries that we have seen! Canes are erect and harvest season last longer than other blackberries. Fruits of Kiowa are blocky and oblong and have an attractive glossy black finish with a good taste. This one is great for home gardeners.

 

PRIME JAN

(Primocane Blackberry, everbearing) New release from the University of Arkansas. A thorny variety that will produce a crop in June and start another crop of blackberries in late July and bear until frost. Berries have a good taste and are medium in size. Canes are erect and can be grown in hedgerows. Recommended for home garden.

 

PRIME JIM

(Primocane Blackberry, everbearing) Also a new release form the University of Arkansas. Berries have a good taste and are average in size. Like Prime Jan they also have 2 crops, one in the spring and a good full crop in late summer. Another great berry for home gardeners.

 

SHAWNEE (Pat. # 5686)

Shawnee is noted for its consistent high fruit yields and large fruit size which makes it popular for pick-your-own operations. Berries are sweet, shiny black, and firm. Good for freezing and all purpose usage. This is one of our favorites.

 

ROSEBOUGH

Upright canes bear unbelievably heavy crops. Large glossy black berries. Excellent for southern states. Excellent for jams and dessert toppings.

 

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Plant Blackberries 3-4 feet apart in the row and 8-10 feet between rows.  Work up soil as deep  as possible.  It is best to prepare soil a month in advance if  possible.  Mark off row and dig your holes for the plants. Put the plant in the prepared hole, with roots spread naturally. Water the plant. Fill hole with moist top soil  and firm soil with hands.  Do not put fertilizer in hole with plants. Fertilize after plants start to green up and start growing.  Fertilize lightly the first time and do not put fertilizer directly on plants.

Prices listed below berry descriptions.

Thornless Blackberries