Natchez Blackberry

You can plant your Natchez Blackberry in your garden or in a pot. Either way, you'll need to make sure it gets full sun and the soil is well drained. It is a good idea to amend your soil with organic matter or compost. Birds love blackberries too, so make sure you use a garden net to get the most out of your harvest. Add a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Watering: Natchez blackberries are drought tolerant, but need an inch of water once a week. Don't overwater the bush. The roots are very shallow and can easily drown. Drip irrigation is best.

Fertilization: Once you see leaves on your plant, you can add some acidic fertilizer. Once your plant is fully mature, you can fertilize it once a year in June and again in the fall if it didn't harvest well.

Pruning: After the harvest, prune away the canes that produced fruit. This will ensure that the next harvest is healthy.

Pollination: This is a self-fertile plant and no pollinator is required.

When to pick: Your blackberries are ready to pick and eat when they fall right into your hand. When they easily fall off without plucking, then they're perfectly ripe. The longer the stay on the branch, the sweeter they become. Blackberries store exceptionally well in the fridge and freezer.