Botanical	Rubus fruticosus 'Arapaho'
Size	1 YR #1
Height	5'
Spacing	4-6'
Hardiness	Zones 5-9
Exposure	Full sun
Foliage	Large, green
Fruit	Dark blue to black
Harvest	Summer-Bearing

General Characteristics: Blackberries fruit on two-year old canes. After they have finished fruiting, the canes should be pruned away at the base. The fruit attracts birds. The brown thrasher, gray catbird, northern cardinal, northern mockingbird, and white-eyed vireo commonly nest in blackberry and raspberry thickets. Flowers attract butterflies, notably the western tiger swallowtail. Although the flowers are attractive, this blackberry is grown primarily as a fruit crop and is not considered appropriate for ornamental use.

Planting Instructions: May be planted in any well-drained soil. Dig a hole large enough to encompass the roots without bending or circling. Set the plant in place so the crown (part of the plant where the roots meet the stem) is about 1-2" below the soil surface. Cover with soil to the original soil surface and water thoroughly. Fertilize at planting and again in late spring. Choose a sunny site in your garden with good air circulation and water drainage and a pH of 6.0-7.0. Keep roots moist until planting. Work plenty of organic matter into the soil and mulch to keep out weeds. Plant as soon as the soil has warmed. Trim canes to encourage new growth. Plants should be set out at least 2 feet apart in rows 7 feet apart. Trellising is beneficial for cane support. These summer-bearing berries produce fruit on second year canes (floricanes). In the fall of the 2nd year, prune spent canes at ground level and thin others to approximately 4 canes per foot of row. Cut off suckers which grow outside of rows. Trim remaining blackberry canes to 7 feet.

Pests or Diseases: Anthracnose, botrytis and verticillium wilt can be serious disease problems. Cane borers and crown borers are potential insect pests.