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.
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.
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.