How to Grow Navaho Blackberry
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Navaho Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus × Rubus ulmifolius
fruitNavaho Blackberry is a thornless, erect blackberry cultivar known for its large, sweet berries and exceptional vigor. It produces heavy yields of firm, black berries suitable for fresh eating and processing. The variety is highly disease-resistant and adapted to warm growing regions.
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Example Navaho Blackberry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Navaho Blackberry
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Navaho Blackberry
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Navaho Blackberry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9, with best production in zones 7-8
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Get my Navaho Blackberry timeline →Growth Stages
First Year Establishment
3-6 monthsErect canes grow vigorously, developing lateral branches. Root system establishes. Minimal or light flowering may occur.
Remove any flowers to encourage root establishment. Water consistently. Top canes at 4-5 feet to encourage branching. Apply mulch to retain moisture.
Dormant/Pruning (Winter)
2-3 monthsCanes enter dormancy after leaf drop. Plant is fully leafless and ready for structural pruning.
Prune laterals on previous year's canes to 12-18 inches. Remove any diseased or damaged wood. Thin canes to 4-5 per plant for optimal air circulation.
Flowering
3-4 weeksWhite to pink flowers bloom on lateral branches of 2-year-old canes in spring. Flowers cluster along the length of laterals.
Ensure pollination by maintaining bee-friendly environment. Do not prune during bloom. Adequate water is critical to prevent flower drop.
Fruit Development & Ripening
6-8 weeksBerries form from flowers, progressing from green to red to fully black over 4-6 weeks. Berries are large and firm when ripe.
Maintain consistent moisture during fruit swell. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Support canes if laden with fruit to prevent breakage.
Harvest & Post-Harvest
4-6 weeksPeak harvest occurs in early to mid-summer. After fruit production ends, mature canes can be removed and new primocanes continue growth.
Harvest fully black berries by hand 2-3 times per week. Remove spent canes after harvest to maintain plant health and vigor.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning; use row covers during peak season; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
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Increase humidity via overhead irrigation; spray with water; use miticide if severe
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Prune out infested shoots; apply horticultural oil in dormant season
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Remove and destroy canes with visible entry holes; prune to healthy wood
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Remove infected canes below ground line; apply insecticide in late summer if needed
Uses
Fresh Eating & Desserts
CulinaryNavaho blackberries are exceptionally sweet and firm, making them ideal for fresh consumption straight off the plant or in pastries, jams, and desserts. Their size and flavor make them a premium market berry. [source]
Jams, Preserves & Juice
CulinaryHigh pectin content and good sugar profile make Navaho blackberries excellent for jam, preserves, and juice production. The firm berries maintain texture well during processing. [source]
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Benefits
MedicinalBlackberries are rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties traditionally used to support immune function and reduce inflammation. Modern research supports their nutritional value. [source]
Wildlife Food & Habitat
WildlifeBlackberry canes provide dense shelter for birds and small mammals, while the fruit attracts numerous wildlife species. The flowers are excellent pollinator forage in spring. [source]
Garden Ornament & Privacy Screen
HouseholdThe thornless nature of Navaho blackberry makes it safe for family gardens while its vigorous, erect growth habit creates an attractive privacy screen or informal hedge when properly maintained. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick berries when fully black and easily detach from the receptacle, typically in late June through July. Harvest in early morning or late evening to preserve fruit quality. Navaho berries have good storage life and ship well due to their firm texture. Use shallow containers to prevent crushing. Fully mature berries are sweetest; do not harvest red berries.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Navaho Blackberry is one of the few thornless blackberry varieties suited to commercial production, making harvesting significantly faster and safer than traditional thorny cultivars.
- 🌱 A single mature Navaho blackberry plant can produce 15-25 pounds of fruit per year under optimal growing conditions, making it an exceptionally productive fruit plant for home gardens.
- 🌱 The variety was developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service and named after the Navajo people; it is sometimes spelled 'Navajo' but 'Navaho' remains the official cultivar name.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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