Natchez Thornless Blackberry Growing Tool

Planting Timeline

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Transplant

Harvest

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Natchez Thornless Blackberry in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Natchez Thornless Blackberry · Zones 6–9

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Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing4-6 feet

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter

pH5.5-7.0

Water1-2 inches per week during fruiting season

SeasonPerennial canes, plant spring or fall

FlavorSweet with low acidity, rich blackberry flavor and firm texture

ColorDeep black with glossy finish

SizeVery large, 1.5+ inches long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 6	—	March – May	—	June – July
Zone 7	—	March – April	—	June – July
Zone 8	—	February – April	—	June – July
Zone 9	—	January – March	—	June – July

Complete Growing Guide

Start your Natchez thornless blackberry journey by selecting a site with full sun exposure and excellent drainage. These vigorous canes need space to breathe, so avoid low-lying areas where water pools or air circulation is poor. Prepare your soil by working in 3-4 inches of compost or well-aged manure, aiming for a pH between 5.5-6.5.

Plant bare-root canes in early spring, 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Dig holes slightly wider than the root spread and set plants at the same depth they grew in the nursery. Space plants 3-4 feet apart in rows, with 8-10 feet between rows to accommodate their spreading habit. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch, keeping it 6 inches away from the base of each plant.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, applying 2-3 ounces per plant around the drip line. Follow up with a second application in late spring as berries begin forming. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this promotes late-season growth that won't harden off before winter.

Install a simple trellis system during the first year using T-posts and galvanized wire at 3 and 5 feet high. Train primocanes (first-year growth) loosely to the wire, allowing them to grow 5-6 feet tall before tip-pinching to encourage lateral branching. Remove any suckers growing more than 2 feet from the original plant to prevent overcrowding.

The most common mistake is overwatering established plants. Natchez has deep roots and prefers consistent but not soggy soil. Water deeply once weekly during fruit development, providing about 1 inch total including rainfall. Prune out spent floricanes (second-year canes) immediately after harvest to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure.

Harvesting

Natchez berries are ready when they turn deep black and lose their glossy sheen, typically in mid-June through July depending on your location. The berries should feel firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure, and will separate easily from the plant with a gentle tug. Unlike other varieties, Natchez berries maintain their quality for 2-3 days after turning fully black, giving you flexibility in harvest timing.

Harvest in the early morning when temperatures are cool and berries are firm. Avoid picking when wet from dew or rain, as moisture increases spoilage risk. Use the "cup and lift" method: cup the berry gently in your palm and lift upward with slight pressure. Ripe berries will release cleanly, while unripe ones will resist. Pick into shallow containers no more than 4 inches deep to prevent crushing lower berries. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season, as Natchez produces over a concentrated 3-4 week period.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Natchez berries keep best when stored unwashed in the refrigerator at 32-35°F with high humidity. Line shallow containers with paper towels and don't stack berries more than two layers deep. Under ideal conditions, they'll maintain quality for 5-7 days, longer than most blackberry varieties.

For freezing, wash gently and pat dry completely before spreading on baking sheets. Freeze individually before transferring to containers - this prevents clumping. Natchez's firm texture makes it excellent for whole-berry applications after thawing. The berries also excel in jam-making due to their natural pectin content and balanced sweetness. Their low acidity means you'll need to add lemon juice when canning to ensure safe pH levels. Dehydrated Natchez berries retain their sweetness well and make excellent additions to trail mixes.

History & Origin

Natchez was developed by Dr. John Clark and the University of Arkansas fruit breeding program, released in 2007 as part of their ongoing mission to create superior thornless blackberry varieties for commercial and home production. The university's blackberry breeding program, established in 1964, has produced numerous award-winning cultivars by crossing selected wild Arkansas blackberries with cultivated varieties.

Natchez emerged from crosses involving 'Ark. 1506' and 'APF-12', combining the best traits of both parents: exceptional earliness, large berry size, and thornless canes. Named after the historic Mississippi River city, Natchez was specifically bred to extend the blackberry harvest season by ripening significantly earlier than existing varieties. The University of Arkansas program has revolutionized blackberry production in the Southern United States, with their varieties now grown commercially across multiple continents. Natchez quickly gained popularity among both commercial growers and home gardeners for its reliability and exceptional fruit quality in hot, humid climates where traditional blackberries often struggle.

Advantages

+Ripens up to two weeks earlier than other thornless varieties, extending harvest season
+Produces exceptionally large berries, often 1.5 inches long with impressive shelf life
+Thornless canes make harvesting and maintenance significantly easier and safer
+Excellent heat and humidity tolerance, thriving in challenging Southern climates
+Strong disease resistance package including tolerance to common cane diseases
+Vigorous, productive canes that establish quickly and produce heavy yields
+Sweet flavor with low acidity appeals to fresh eating and reduces need for added sugar

Considerations

-Requires sturdy trellising system due to vigorous, heavy-producing canes
-Concentrated harvest period means all berries ripen within 3-4 weeks
-Can be aggressive spreader if suckers aren't managed properly
-Still susceptible to Japanese beetles and spider mites in some regions

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Garlic

Repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests while improving soil health

Chives

Deters aphids and Japanese beetles, attracts beneficial pollinators

Marigolds

Repels nematodes and aphids, attracts beneficial insects for pest control

Comfrey

Deep roots bring nutrients to surface, leaves make excellent mulch and fertilizer

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attracts beneficial insects

Borage

Attracts pollinators, may improve fruit flavor, and repels hornworms

Tansy

Repels ants, mice, and flying insects that can damage berries

Yarrow

Attracts beneficial predatory insects and improves soil health

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill blackberry plants

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of most nearby plants including berries

Brassicas

Compete heavily for nutrients and may stunt blackberry growth and production

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good disease resistance, tolerates heat and humidity well

Common Pests

Japanese beetle, aphids, spider mites, cane borers

Diseases

Anthracnose, cane blight, orange rust

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Natchez blackberry take to produce fruit?▼

Natchez blackberry plants typically produce their first small crop in the second year after planting, with full production beginning in the third year. The plants fruit on second-year canes (floricanes), so first-year growth focuses on establishing strong canes that will bear fruit the following season.

Can you grow Natchez blackberries in containers?▼

Yes, Natchez can grow in large containers (minimum 20-gallon capacity) with proper support. Use a high-quality potting mix with excellent drainage, install a trellis system, and expect more frequent watering. Container plants may produce smaller yields and require winter protection in colder zones.

What zones can grow Natchez blackberries?▼

Natchez blackberries thrive in USDA zones 6-9, with optimal performance in zones 7-8. They handle heat and humidity exceptionally well, making them ideal for the southeastern United States. In zone 6, provide winter mulch protection, while zone 9 growers should ensure adequate water during hot summers.

When should I plant Natchez blackberry bushes?▼

Plant Natchez blackberry canes in early spring, 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. This timing allows roots to establish before summer heat arrives. Fall planting is possible in zones 7-9, giving plants more time to establish before their first growing season.

How big do Natchez blackberry bushes get?▼

Natchez blackberry canes typically reach 5-6 feet tall and spread 3-4 feet wide at maturity. Without proper pruning and trellising, they can spread wider through underground runners. Regular pruning and sucker removal keeps plants manageable while maximizing fruit production.

What does Natchez blackberry taste like compared to other varieties?▼

Natchez blackberries are notably sweet with low acidity, creating a rich, well-balanced blackberry flavor. They're less tart than many wild blackberries and have a firm texture that holds up well fresh or cooked. Many consider them superior to Triple Crown and Apache varieties for fresh eating.