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.
Navaho Blackberry (Rubus 'Navaho')
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Navaho' is an erect, thornless blackberry cultivar developed at the University of Arkansas by John R. Clark and James N. Moore. It was released in 1999. It is the result of a cross between 'Arapaho' and 'US 1339-2'.
Patent Status: 'Navaho' Blackberry was protected by U.S. Plant Patent PP6,679P, granted to University of Arkansas at Fayetteville on 1989-03-21 which expired on 2007-11-09. After the patent expires, the cultivar can be freely propagated and sold.
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, firm, glossy black berries with a good, sweet flavor and a slightly tart finish. It is known for its good productivity and consistent yields. The thornless canes make harvesting easier.
Ripening Time: 'Navaho' is a mid-season ripening blackberry, typically ripening after 'Arapaho' and before 'Ouachita'. The harvest window usually occurs in late June to July, lasting for several weeks.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Navaho' has an erect growth habit, meaning the canes grow upright and generally do not require trellising, although support may be beneficial when the canes are heavily laden with fruit. The canes are thornless, which is a significant advantage for growers and home gardeners. Mature plants can reach 4-6 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width.
Flowers: Produces typical white blackberry flowers in the spring on the previous year's canes (floricanes).
Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9. It offers good winter hardiness for these regions.
Pollination: 'Navaho' is self-fertile and does not require another blackberry variety for pollination.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production and flavor (at least 6-8 hours per day).
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). Good drainage is essential to prevent root diseases.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing: Benefits from appropriate fertilization in early spring and again after the harvest.
Pruning: Blackberries fruit on floricanes. After fruiting, these canes should be pruned back to the ground. New primocanes (first-year canes) should be tipped (cut back) in late winter or early spring to encourage lateral branching for the following year's fruit production.
Uses: The berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating due to their good flavor and firm texture.
Freezing well for later use.
Making jams, jellies, and preserves.
Baking in pies, cobblers, and other desserts.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: The erect, thornless canes and attractive berries can add visual appeal to the garden.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Navaho' exhibits good resistance to several common blackberry diseases, including anthracnose and orange rust. It also has some resistance to double blossom/rosette. Its erect growth habit also helps with air circulation, reducing disease pressure.
