Navaho Blackberry
Navaho Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus 'Navaho')
Navaho Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus 'Navaho') is a compact, upright, thornless blackberry variety known for its exceptional sweetness, firm fruit, and extended harvest season. Developed by the University of Arkansas, Navaho combines ornamental value with excellent flavor and ease of care, making it ideal for home gardens and small-scale fruit production.
Distinctive Features
Navaho grows 4 to 5 feet tall with a naturally upright and self-supporting habit, eliminating the need for trellising. The canes are completely thornless, making harvesting safe and enjoyable. It produces medium-sized, glossy black berries with a rich, sweet flavor and firm texture�perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. Berries ripen slowly over a long period from mid to late summer, allowing for a more relaxed harvest window.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile loam or sandy soil
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
- Water Needs: Moderate; prefers even moisture during fruiting
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9
Ideal Uses
- Focal point in edible or ornamental garden beds
- Backyard fruit production without the need for support
- Fresh eating, freezing, or baking into pies and cobblers
- Family-friendly gardens with safe, thornless harvesting
- Pollinator gardens with added seasonal fruit value
Low Maintenance Care
- Prune spent floricanes after harvest to encourage new growth
- Mulch base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Water regularly during fruit development
- Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Watch for common blackberry pests like aphids and cane borers
Why Choose Navaho Blackberry
- Thornless canes offer pain-free care and harvest
- Upright, compact form fits well in smaller spaces
- Long harvest window with sweet, firm berries
- Excellent flavor for fresh eating or preserving
- A manageable and attractive focal point for edible landscapes
Navaho Blackberry combines sweet fruit, a compact thornless form, and ease of care�making it an outstanding focal point for gardeners looking for flavor and functionality in a space-saving package.
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