Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) NATCHEZ

Blackberry 'Natchez' (PBR)

A highly productive, thornless American variety featuring early ripening and exceptionally large, firm fruits.

'Natchez' (syn. Ark. 2241) is a modern, highly productive thornless blackberry variety developed at the University of Arkansas (USA) by breeder John Reuben Clark. It was created in 1998 by crossing two unpatented genotypes (Ark. 2005 x Ark. 1857) and was patented in 2010. It was bred with the goal of providing growers with a variety that delivers large, high-quality fruit right at the beginning of the blackberry season. Thanks to its upright growth, excellent health, and firm fruits, it is an outstanding choice for both commercial plantations and home gardens.

Key advantages of the variety:

• Early ripening: The harvest begins a week earlier than the 'Ouachita' variety. The harvest period lasts an average of 35 – 40 days.
• Large and firm fruits: The fruits are exceptionally large (8 – 9 g) and maintain their size very well throughout the entire harvest season. They are very firm when fully ripe.
• Thornless and upright growth: The variety is genetically thornless. The shoots grow upright to semi-upright, which greatly facilitates harvesting and maintenance (however, the use of a trellis is recommended).
• High yield and self-fertility: The yield is high and consistent (2.3 to 3.2 kg per plant). The variety is fully self-fertile.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Large, long, and cylindrical fruits of a vibrant, glossy black color.
• Flavor and flesh: The taste is good, sweet, and mildly tart with a distinct blackberry aroma. The sugar content averages 9.5%.
• Harvest period: Early variety.
• Storability: The shelf life of fresh fruits is very good, comparable to the 'Navaho' or 'Ouachita' varieties.

Cultivation and Resistance

• Health status: Excellent. It features moderate resistance to anthracnose and appeared immune to rust and double blossom disease in trials.
• Disadvantages and notes: Frost hardiness is limited to -14 °C (may require protection in colder regions). The sugar content is slightly lower compared to the sweetest varieties. It is a licensed protected variety (PBR).