Blackberry, Thornless 'Natchez' (Rubus)
Early-Ripening, Large, and Sweet Variety
Common Names: Thornless Blackberry 'Natchez'
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: United States
Thornless Blackberry 'Natchez' (Rubus) is a popular and productive early-season blackberry variety known for its large, sweet berries and vigorous, thornless canes. Developed by the University of Arkansas, this variety is celebrated for its high yields, easy harvesting, and robust growth habit. 'Natchez' is one of the earliest-ripening thornless blackberry varieties, producing an abundance of juicy, flavorful berries in early summer. The berries are perfect for fresh eating, making jams, or freezing for later use. This low-maintenance plant is ideal for home gardeners looking for a thornless blackberry that combines ease of care with high fruit quality.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: The 'Natchez' blackberry produces large, elongated, jet-black berries that are sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor. The berries are high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making them not only delicious but also nutritious. 'Natchez' is known for its high yields, producing an abundance of berries that can be eaten fresh, frozen, or used in pies, jams, and desserts.
Foliage: The plant features glossy green leaves on thornless canes, making it easy to manage and harvest without the risk of being scratched by thorns. The foliage is dense and vigorous, adding a lush look to the garden.
Growth Habit: 'Natchez' is a vigorous, semi-upright, thornless blackberry variety that grows 4-6 feet tall. It produces long, arching canes that are easy to train on a trellis or fence, making it suitable for both small and large gardens.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
The large, sweet berries of the 'Natchez' blackberry are perfect for fresh eating, making smoothies, or baking into pies and cobblers. Their excellent flavor and size make them a favorite for making homemade jams and preserves. In addition to its fruit production, the thornless canes and attractive foliage of the 'Natchez' blackberry make it a great choice for ornamental hedges or as a fruiting privacy screen.
Plant Type:
Perennial Fruiting Shrub
The roots of the Snowbank and Natchez Blackberry plant are Perennial, but the top is Biennial; meaning, a branch that comes up this Spring will not fruit until next year, and after fruiting it will die back. To maximize your berry harvest, learn the simple and exciting art of pruning!
Harvest Season:
Spring, Summer
Mature Size:
6-12 ft. depending on variety
Soil & Moisture:
Rich, well-draining soil
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 6-9; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Snowbank Blackberry is grown from tissue culture and is capable of harvest within the growing season.
