Description
‘Ouachita’ is a proven Arkansas release: thornless, erect habit, and very good postharvest handling. It ripens mid-season—between early selections and the later ‘Navaho/‘Von’ window—helping you stage harvests. Fruit size is medium-large with solid sweetness and low acidity.
Canes are strong and benefit from a simple trellis; plants are widely adapted across the Southeast and Mid-South with reliable cropping where winters supply modest chill.
Growing Info
- Site: Full sun; well-drained soil; pH near 6.0–6.5.
- Spacing/Trellis: 3–5 ft in-row; tip primocanes and remove spent floricanes post-harvest.
- Water: Consistent irrigation during fruit swell; mulch to conserve moisture.
- Chill: Commonly cited ≈400–500 hours; performs in warmer sites with adequate winter cool.
Technical Specs
| Species | Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) |
|---|---|
| Cultivar | Ouachita |
| Type / Habit | Erect, thornless floricane blackberry |
| Ripening window | Mid-season; typically earlier than late selections like ‘Von’ |
| Bearing | Floricane (fruit on previous-year canes); responds to tipping |
| Hardiness (USDA) | Zones 6–9 (5 in protected sites) |
| Chill / Winter needs | Commonly cited ~400–500 chill hours; adapts broadly in the South |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil / pH | Well-drained; pH 6.0–6.5 |
| Water | Consistent moisture through fruit sizing |
| Spacing | 3–5 ft in-row; 8–10 ft between rows |
| Trellis | Narrow hedge; one or two wires |
| Pollination | Self-fertile |
| Height x spread (managed) | ≈4–6 ft canes when tipped |
| Pruning | Tip primocanes ~42–48 in; remove spent floricanes after harvest |
| Disease / pests (notes) | Good firmness and shelf handling; monitor SWD in humid climates |
| Primary uses | Fresh eating, baking, freezing |
Shipping & Guarantee
Ships Mon–Wed with heat-aware holds. 14-day establishment guarantee.