Average Landscape Size: 4–5 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide; upright, erect habit
Sun Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours) for optimal fruit sweetness
Water Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture is essential during bloom and fruit set; prefers well-drained soil
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9; performs excellently in the Houston area with a chilling requirement of about 300 hours
Fertilization & Pruning: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring; prune old floricanes to the ground after they finish fruiting to encourage new primocane growth
Detailed Description: The Osage blackberry was developed to be the "flavor successor" to the famous Ouachita and Navaho varieties. It has quickly become a staple for local growers because it combines a high sugar content with a smooth, pleasing texture. The berries are medium-sized and very firm, meaning they won't turn to mush the moment you pick them—a huge plus for our humid Gulf Coast climate!
Because Osage is an upright, thornless variety, it is incredibly easy to manage in a backyard setting. It doesn't require a heavy-duty trellis, though a light support can help keep your harvest organized. It typically ripens its fruit in the mid-season, often bridging the gap between early and late varieties. If you’re looking for a blackberry that balances "commercial grade" firmness with "homegrown" sweetness, Osage is a perfect addition to your edible landscape.
Average Landscape Size: 4–5 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide; upright, erect habit
Sun Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours) for optimal fruit sweetness
Water Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture is essential during bloom and fruit set; prefers well-drained soil
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9; performs excellently in the Houston area with a chilling requirement of about 300 hours
Fertilization & Pruning: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring; prune old floricanes to the ground after they finish fruiting to encourage new primocane growth
Detailed Description: The Osage blackberry was developed to be the "flavor successor" to the famous Ouachita and Navaho varieties. It has quickly become a staple for local growers because it combines a high sugar content with a smooth, pleasing texture. The berries are medium-sized and very firm, meaning they won't turn to mush the moment you pick them—a huge plus for our humid Gulf Coast climate!
Because Osage is an upright, thornless variety, it is incredibly easy to manage in a backyard setting. It doesn't require a heavy-duty trellis, though a light support can help keep your harvest organized. It typically ripens its fruit in the mid-season, often bridging the gap between early and late varieties. If you’re looking for a blackberry that balances "commercial grade" firmness with "homegrown" sweetness, Osage is a perfect addition to your edible landscape.
