shrub

Navaho Blackberry

Rubus 'Navaho'

$59.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Blackberries are perennial plants with biennial canes that grow vegetatively the first year (primocanes) and bear fruit the second year (floricanes). They are typically thorny and have a rambling growth habit.

'Navaho' was the first thornless, erect blackberry released by the University of Arkansas. It has excellent fruit quality with small seeds, good flavor, and firmness, and its upright habit means it doesn't require a trellis.

Uses & Benefits:

The plant's upright, shrub-like form and lush green foliage make it an attractive addition to the landscape. In spring, it is covered in clusters of pretty white flowers, followed by glossy black fruit.

'Navaho' produces large crops of sweet, firm, thornless fruit on self-supporting canes, eliminating the need for a trellis and making harvest a painless, enjoyable task. The berries are excellent for fresh eating, jams, and pies.

The flowers provide an abundant source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife, and the dense canes can offer cover.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

54 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial shrub

Native To

Cultivated origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$59.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Space plants 3 feet apart in rows.
Amend soil with compost before planting.
Set plants at the same depth they were in the nursery pot.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.
Prune out fruiting canes (floricanes) after harvest.

Pro Tip

After fruiting is finished in summer, prune the canes that bore fruit (floricanes) all the way to the ground.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide regular water, especially during fruit development.
Mulch to keep roots cool and moist and to suppress weeds.
Prune correctly to maintain plant health and productivity.
Tip-prune new canes (primocanes) at 4 feet to encourage side branching.

Don't

Do not plant near wild blackberries, which can harbor diseases.
Avoid poorly drained sites, which lead to root rot.
Do not allow the soil to dry out when fruit is sizing up.
Avoid planting in soil where tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants were recently grown.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Upright, thornless edible hedgeFruiting specimen in a mixed borderEasy-to-manage berry patch

Companion Plants

Tansy Borage Mint Hyssop

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Navaho Blackberry questions

What zones can Navaho Blackberry grow in?

Navaho Blackberry is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Navaho Blackberry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Navaho Blackberry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Navaho Blackberry bloom?

Navaho Blackberry typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Navaho Blackberry need full sun?

Navaho Blackberry does best in full sun (6+ hours).