Navaho Thornless Blackberry Plant – Sweet, Easy to Grow, and Perfect for Backyard Gardens!

The Navaho Thornless Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus ‘Navaho’) is an exceptional blackberry variety developed by the University of Arkansas in the 1980s as the first thornless, erect-growing blackberry. Unlike traditional blackberries, the Navaho variety grows in an upright, self-supporting habit, making it easy to maintain and harvest. This high-yielding plant produces incredibly sweet, firm blackberries with an outstanding shelf life. Known for its disease resistance, heat tolerance, and high sugar content, Navaho blackberries are a favorite for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

🌿 USDA Growing Zones & Chill Hours

Thrives in USDA Zones 5-9, making it ideal for mild to warm climates
Requires 800-900 chill hours for optimal fruit production

🌸 Pollination & Fruit Production

Self-Pollinating – No additional plants are required, but planting multiple bushes increases yield
Produces large, firm, and sweet blackberries with a high sugar content
Ripens mid to late season, typically from late June through August

🌳 How to Plant & Grow Navaho Blackberries

📍 Best Planting Location

Full Sun: Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best yields
Well-Draining Soil: Prefers loamy, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5)
Spacing: Plant bushes 3-4 feet apart in rows spaced 6-8 feet apart

🌱 Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

Prepare the Soil: Enrich soil with compost for added nutrients and ensure proper drainage.
Dig a Hole: Twice the width and depth of the root ball.
Position the Plant: Set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface.
Backfill & Water: Fill the hole with soil, gently press it down, and water thoroughly.
Mulch: Apply Weed Pro Weed Mats or mulch around the base to retain moisture.

🌿 Ongoing Care & Maintenance

💧 Watering: Water deeply at least once per week, increasing frequency during fruiting season.
✂️ Pruning: Remove dead or weak canes after harvesting to encourage new growth.
🍂 Fertilizing: Use Nutra-Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Paks for steady nutrients and vigorous root growth.
🛡️ Protection: Use Max Growth Berry Shelters to shield young plants from pests and harsh weather.

Fruit Ripening Time, Taste & Uses

Ripens late June through August
Produces large, exceptionally sweet blackberries with a firm texture
Perfect for fresh eating, cobblers, jams, smoothies, and freezing

🍽️ Delicious Navaho Blackberry Recipes

1. Navaho Blackberry Jam 🍯

4 cups fresh Navaho blackberries
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 packet pectin

Instructions: Mash blackberries and mix with sugar and lemon juice. Heat on medium, stirring frequently. Add pectin and boil for 2 minutes. Pour into sterilized jars and store.

2. Blackberry Cobbler 🥧

3 cups fresh Navaho blackberries
¾ cup sugar
½ cup flour
1 tsp vanilla
1 pie crust

Instructions: Mix all ingredients and pour into a pie crust. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Let cool before serving.

3. Blackberry Smoothie 🥤

1 cup fresh Navaho blackberries
1 banana
1 cup yogurt
1 tbsp honey

Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately and enjoy!

🌿 Essential Products for Maximum Growth

✅ Nutra-Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Paks – Encourages strong root development and high fruit yields.
✅ Soil Moist Transplant Mix – Helps retain moisture and prevent transplant stress.
✅ Max Growth Berry Shelters – Protects young plants from pests and weather damage.
✅ Weed Pro Weed Mats – Prevents weeds from competing for nutrients and moisture.

🛒 Why Buy from Ty Ty Nursery?

✅ Large Selection – Find the best blackberry varieties for your garden.
✅ Highest Quality – Healthy, well-rooted plants guaranteed to thrive.
✅ Fastest Shipping – Delivered fresh and ready to plant.
✅ Free One-Year Plantsurance Guarantee – Receive store credit if your plant doesn’t survive.

Start growing your own Navaho Blackberries today! Order now from Ty Ty Nursery and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown fruit!