A leafy green tree with small dark fruit hanging from the branches, photographed outdoors on a grassy slope with mountains and water in the background.

Arkansas Black Apple Tree

2-3ft
$54.95
$54.95
Skip to product information
A leafy green tree with small dark fruit hanging from the branches, photographed outdoors on a grassy slope with mountains and water in the background.
  • A leafy green tree with small dark fruit hanging from the branches, photographed outdoors on a grassy slope with mountains and water in the background.
  • A red apple with water droplets hanging on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • A woven wicker basket filled with colorful autumn maple leaves in shades of orange, red, and yellow, set on a dark wooden table with two dark red apples and scattered acorns against a black background.
  • A leafy green tree with small dark fruit hanging from the branches, photographed outdoors on a grassy slope with mountains and water in the background.
  • A red apple with water droplets hanging on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • A woven wicker basket filled with colorful autumn maple leaves in shades of orange, red, and yellow, set on a dark wooden table with two dark red apples and scattered acorns against a black background.
Arkansas Black Apple Tree

Arkansas Black Apple Tree

$54.95
$54.95
Size

Malus domestica 'Arkansas Black'

The Arkansas Black Apple is a historic, highly sought-after heirloom variety that brings a sophisticated flair to the orchard and the kitchen alike. Known for its mesmerizing, deep-red almost jet-black skin and firm, crisp flesh, this cultivar is a true standout in the world of heritage fruit, offering an eating experience that actually improves with careful storage.

In the spring, it produces lovely, delicate blossoms that signal the beginning of a productive season. As summer fades into autumn, the apples ripen into a stunning, dark mahogany hue. While they are rock-hard at harvest, a few weeks of storage mellows their texture into a crisp, crunchy bite and develops a complex, vinous flavor profile that is distinctively rich and aromatic.

The Ecological Footprint

  • Wildlife Haven: Produces high-quality fruit that serves as an excellent natural food source for local bird and mammal populations in the late autumn and early winter.

  • Pollinator Magnet: The spring blossoms provide a critical early-season nectar source for native bees, honeybees, and other essential garden pollinators.

  • Orchard Diversity: As an heirloom variety, it promotes genetic diversity in your landscape, moving away from monoculture reliance and strengthening local ecosystem resilience.

  • Carbon Sequestration: Like all long-lived trees, this cultivar acts as a significant long-term carbon sink, contributing to a healthier environment while bearing fruit.

The Honest Harvest (What to Expect)

  • The Perks: Exceptionally long shelf life (can keep for months in proper storage), disease-resistant foliage, and a truly unique, gourmet-quality flavor that is rare in modern grocery store varieties.

  • The Caveats: The fruit is very hard at harvest and requires patience to reach peak eating quality. It is a late-season apple that may not be suitable for areas with very short growing seasons or extremely early, hard frosts.

Specifications

  • Botanical Name: Malus domestica 'Arkansas Black'

  • Common Names: Arkansas Black Apple

  • Mature Height: 12-15 feet (dwarf/semi-dwarf depending on rootstock)

  • Mature Width: 10-12 feet

  • Growth Rate: Moderate

  • Lifespan: 40+ years

  • USDA Zones: 5-9

  • Chill Hours: 800-1000 hours

  • Sun Preference: Full sun

  • Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile, loamy soil

  • Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

  • Water Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture during the growing season

  • Flower Color: Pinkish-white; mid-spring

  • Fruit Type: Firm, dark-red/black apple; late season

  • Pollinators: Requires cross-pollination (e.g., Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith)

  • Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, deciduous tree

  • Spacing: 12-15 feet apart

  • Landscape Uses: Home orchards, espalier, ornamental focal point, sustainable food production

  • Maintenance Level: Moderate (requires annual dormant pruning)

Planting & Care Guide

  • Hydration: Water deeply at the time of planting and maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the first growing season to establish a robust root system.

  • Siting: Plant in a location that receives full, direct sunlight for at least 6–8 hours daily, preferably with good air circulation to reduce fungal pressure.

  • Mulching: Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest damage.

  • Establishment: During the first two years, focus on deep, infrequent watering rather than light, daily splashes to encourage deep root growth.

  • Pruning: Perform structural pruning in late winter while the tree is dormant to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and to encourage an open center for light penetration.

  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced organic fruit tree fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins; avoid late-season fertilization which can trigger succulent growth susceptible to winter damage.

You may also like