Arkansas Black Apple

Malus domestica ‘Arkansas Black’

A favorite across the nation, this vintage apple’s dark red fruit turns nearly blackish when it’s fully ripe, and its tart flavor mellows and develops its bright, aromatic sweetness in storage. Best eating is after 90 days, and fruit will keep its firm texture for months. Originally identified in the 1870’s in Bentonville, AR, and thought to be a seedling of Winesap heritage. Good for eating, keeping, and cidermaking!

Ripening late in the season, Arkansas Black is an reliable producer and is resistant to cedar-apple rust and fireblight, but can have problems with scab. Considered a low-chill variety needing only 500-600 chill hours, and tolerant of hotter locations. On MM106 semi-dwarf rootstock. 

Hardy to USDA Zone: 5

Chill Hours Needed: Semi-low chill; 500-600 hours

Mature Height: 15′-18′ 

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: Early November

Pollination: Bloom Group 3 Midseason; needs a pollinizer from Group 2, 3, or 4

Rootstock: Semi-dwarf MM106

Read our Apple Growing Guide