Natchez Thornless Blackberry

Natchez is a thornless, erect blackberry prized for very large, elongated berries and an exceptionally early harvest. The firm glossy-black fruit has a sweet, mildly tart flavor suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves. It fruits on second-year floricanes, so remove canes after they finish producing while retaining the current season's new canes for next year's crop. Plant in full sun, provide even moisture, and use a simple support where heavy fruit loads may bend the canes. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Rubus subgenus Rubus 'Natchez' PP20,891
• Sun: Full sun
• USDA zones: 5–9
• Mature size: 4–5 ft when tipped and managed tall × 2–4 ft wide
• Chill requirement: Moderate chill; commonly listed near 400–500 hours
• Pollination: Self-fertile; bees improve full drupelet set
• Bloom: Spring on second-year floricanes
• Harvest: Very early blackberry season; late spring to early summer in the South
• Fruit: Very large, elongated, firm glossy-black berries with a sweet, mildly tart blackberry flavor
• Water: Consistent moisture, especially during bloom and fruit fill; avoid waterlogged soil
• Growth habit: Vigorous, erect, thornless floricane-fruiting canes
• Pruning and training: Tip new canes at about 3½–4 ft; remove spent floricanes after harvest; a simple support is helpful
• Uses: Edible garden, berry row, home orchard, fresh eating and preserves
• Wildlife value: Flowers support bees; net fruit if bird pressure is high

Plant size, harvest timing and performance vary with climate, rootstock where applicable, soil, pruning and care.