These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
12-18 inch bare root plant.
Key Characteristics of Natchez Blackberry:
Origin: 'Natchez' is a thornless, early-ripening blackberry cultivar (Rubus fruticosus hybrid) developed by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture fruit breeding program under the direction of Dr. John R. Clark. It was released in 2007. It was bred for its early ripening, large fruit size, high yields, and thornless canes.
Patent Status: 'Natchez' Blackberry is protected by U.S. Plant Patent PP20,891, held by University of Arkansas at Little Rock until 2028-05-15. This patent restricts unauthorized propagation and sale of the cultivar.
Berry Production: Produces very large, elongated, glossy black berries with a sweet flavor and good sugar content (averaging around 9.5%). It is known for its high yields, often exceeding those of other early-ripening thornless varieties. The berries are firm and have good post-harvest handling potential.
Ripening Time: 'Natchez' is a very early-ripening blackberry, typically maturing in early June, making it one of the first thornless blackberries of the season to ripen. Its early ripening is a key characteristic and advantage.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Natchez' features semi-erect, thornless canes that typically reach a height of 4 to 5 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet. While the canes are generally upright, they may benefit from some support or trellising, especially when laden with a heavy crop of fruit.
Flowers: Produces white, typical blackberry flowers in the spring on floricanes (second-year canes). It is self-pollinating.
Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9, and some sources suggest it may tolerate Zone 5 with protection. It is also noted for its adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions.
Pollination: 'Natchez' is self-pollinating and does not require another blackberry variety for fruit set. However, planting multiple plants can still improve overall pollination and yield.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.8). Good drainage is crucial to prevent root diseases.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Regular watering is important, particularly during dry periods.
Pruning: Requires annual pruning. After the early summer harvest, the floricanes (canes that produced fruit) should be cut back to ground level and removed. New primocanes (first-year canes) that will produce fruit the following year should be tipped (cut back at around 4 feet tall) to encourage lateral branching and increase yield.
Uses: The large, sweet berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Jams and preserves
Freezing
Baking and desserts
Commercial production due to its early ripening and good fruit quality.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: The thornless canes and attractive foliage, along with the production of large berries, can add ornamental value to the edible landscape.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Natchez' is reported to have good disease resistance.
