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Apple variety

Arkansas Black

Also known as Arkansas Black Spur

The short answer

Arkansas Black requires 500–600 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 4–8[2]. It needs a pollination partner[2].

Growing facts

Arkansas Black growing facts
Chill requirement500–600 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 4–8[2]
PollinationNeeds a pollination partner, bloom group 3[2]
Harvest windowOctober[2]
Years to bearing4–5 years (typical for apples)[3]
USDA pomological watercolor of Arkansas Black apple
Malus domestica: Arkansas BlackUSDA pomological watercolor, Deborah Griscom Passmore, 1895 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Plate provenance[4]

Pollination partners

Arkansas Black blooms in group 3. The closest bloom-time matches make the most reliable partners:

Show 27 more compatible varieties

Notes

  • Mid-season bloom; a very firm, long-keeping late apple.[2]
  • Moderately resistant to fire blight.[2]

A year with your Arkansas Black

When the work happens for an apple in USDA zone 6, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Apple in zone 6
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune—————————
Thin——————————
Spray timing——————
Harvest——————————
Care———————————

See the full month-by-month apple calendar for zone 6 →

Can I grow Arkansas Black where I live?

Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:

Growing an Arkansas Black? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Arkansas Black need?
Arkansas Black needs 500–600 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Arkansas Black?
Arkansas Black grows in USDA zones 4–8.
Is Arkansas Black self-pollinating?
No — Arkansas Black needs a compatible pollination partner nearby.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Apples — DWN Variety Finder product list — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] Utah State University Extension. Apple Production and Variety Recommendations for the Utah Home Garden — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. How soon will a newly planted fruit tree begin to bear fruit? (Yard and Garden FAQ) — accessed July 2026
  4. [4] USDA National Agricultural Library. USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection (Rare and Special Collections, 1886-1942) — accessed July 2026