Natchez Blackberry

Light Needs

Full Shade

(Less Than 2 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4 - 5 Feet

Mature Spread

3 - 4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

This thornless blackberry produces an abundance of large clusters of tasty blackberries in early to mid-June. The taste of homegrown blackberries is so much better than that of those purchased at the grocery store. Since there are no thorns, you won’t need to wear thick gloves and other protective gear when harvesting the berries. Its growth pattern is more upright than most blackberry bushes.

Plant this shrub to hide an unattractive view or to create privacy. It can also be used as a focal point or as part of a home orchard. The Natchez Blackberry is considered an erect to semi-erect variety but would still benefit from trellising especially with the branches being laden with fruit. Natchez Blueberry is self-pollinating, so you’ll still get fruit even if you only have room for one in your garden.

Natchez Blackberry Care

Grow Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 9 in full sun. This plant will reach 4 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 3 to 4 feet. Summer bearing Natchez Blackberry is drought tolerant and pest resistant. The most likely pest you’ll have to deal with is hungry birds trying to steal your fruit. Blackberry plants produce fruit on floricanes or second-year shoots. Cut back older shoots in the spring so the plant can put energy into producing fruit on younger shoots and creating new shoots for future harvests.

Natchez Blackberry Spacing

Space plants at least 4 or 5 feet apart so you’ll have room to walk between them when harvesting the berries. This variety was developed in 2007 by researchers at the University of Arkansas and the United States Department of Agriculture.