Navaho Thornless Blackberry is a compact, upright blackberry variety valued for its sweet, firm berries and thornless canes. Bred by the University of Arkansas, it was the first thornless blackberry with an upright growth habit, making it ideal for small gardens or growers looking for a low-maintenance, space-saving option.
The medium-sized berries ripen in mid to late summer and have a rich, sweet flavor with excellent texture and storage quality. Plants are highly productive and known for their disease resistance, especially to cane blight and anthracnose.
With its self-supporting structure, Navaho does not require a trellis, although light support can help optimize airflow and fruit quality. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9.
Key Features:
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Thornless canes for easy, safe harvesting
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Medium-sized, firm, sweet berries
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Ripens mid to late summer
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Upright, compact habit (4–5 ft. tall) — minimal or no trellising required
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Excellent disease resistance
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Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil
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Hardy in Zones 6–9
Navaho Thornless Blackberry is a great choice for home gardeners looking for a delicious, productive, and easy-to-manage blackberry plant that combines flavor, convenience, and reliability.