Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) NATCHEZ®

This new thornless blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by its consistent high yields, large fruit size, high fruit quality, early season fruit ripening, prolific fruiting row establishment and healthy plants.

Crossing: Ark. 2005 x Ark. 1857, breeder John R. Clark, University of Arkansas, USA, 2010. Patent number USPP20891.
Vigour: strong, canes erect to semi-erect, genetically thornless. It is benefical to use a trellis with supporting wires to prevent canes to falling over due to heavy fruitloads.
Fruits: glossy black, firm, large, average size 9 - 10 g. Shape elongated, cylindrical, uniform. Average lenght 3,6 cm. Fruit clusters are well filed. Fresh fruits are easy to store, transport tolerant and retain attractive look and good fragrance for two weeks.
Taste: excellent, sweet, mildly acidic with a distinct blackberry aroma. Acidity 0,94 g citric acid / 100 ml.
Harvest season: early, sooner than most other thornless varieties. Begins to ripen from early June, the harvest period is long, for duration of 5 weeks, in climatically favorable years until late August.
Yield: very prolific variety, yields consistently range from 2.3 - 3.2 kg / plant. The berries are ideal for fresh consumption and further processing for jellies, jams, juice, wine.
Disease resistance: resistant to anthracnose. Generally highly resistant to disease and pests, suitable for organic or no-spray culture.
Frost resistance: hardy to -14°C. Recommended for cultivation in warmer regions.