Natchez Thornless Blackberry Plant

Natchez Thornless Blackberry is one of the earliest-ripening thornless blackberry varieties available — producing large, oblong, glossy, sweet berries in early June, weeks ahead of most other thornless varieties. That early timing combined with heavy production of large, firm, good-keeping berries makes Natchez a standout choice for home gardeners who want the full blackberry season to start as early as possible. Semi-erect, drought-tolerant, and adaptable to the heat of the South as well as cooler conditions. USDA and University of Arkansas development. Self-pollinating, bears in 1–2 years.

May be covered by USPP #20891 or other patents. A-2241 cultivar.

One of the First Thornless Blackberries of the Season — Early June

The early June ripening is Natchez’s most immediately valuable quality for home growers who want fresh blackberries as soon as the season allows. Where most thornless varieties ripen in late June through July, Natchez is already delivering large, sweet, glossy black berries while the rest of the blackberry season is still weeks away. For growers planning a succession planting to extend the fresh blackberry window, Natchez is the natural first chapter.

Large, Glossy, Firm, and Good-Keeping

The berry quality matches the early timing. Natchez produces large, oblong, uniformly glossy black berries with firm texture that holds up through picking, storage, and use — outstanding for fresh eating straight off the cane, baking into pies and cobblers, and preserving as jams and jellies where the firm texture produces a better result than soft, fragile varieties. The good storage life gives home growers more flexibility in how and when they use the harvest.

USDA and University of Arkansas — Drought-Tolerant, Heat and Cold Adaptable

The USDA and University of Arkansas breeding program has produced some of the most reliable and widely adapted thornless blackberry varieties available, and Natchez reflects that institutional quality. The low 300–500 chill-hour requirement makes it accessible to warmer growing regions where high-chill varieties struggle, while its tolerance of colder conditions extends its usefulness well beyond the Deep South where it particularly thrives.

Why Growers Choose Natchez Thornless Blackberry

• One of the earliest thornless varieties — large sweet berries in early June
• Large, glossy, firm, good-keeping fruit — outstanding fresh, baked, and preserved
• USDA and University of Arkansas development — proven breeding pedigree
• Drought-tolerant, heat and cold adaptable — reliable across a wide range of conditions
• Only 300–500 chill hours — accessible to warm-climate gardens
• Semi-erect, self-pollinating, bears in 1–2 years — productive quickly with minimal support