Name: Rubus hybrid 'Navaho' (Navaho Thornless Blackberry)

Average Landscape Size: 4–5 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide; upright, self-supporting habit

Sun Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours of direct light)

Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture and well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged roots

Deer Resistance: Moderate

Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–10; well-suited for our Houston climate with a chilling requirement of approximately 400–500 hours

Fertilization & Pruning: Feed with a balanced fruit fertilizer in early spring; prune out the canes that have finished fruiting (floricanes) to the ground immediately after harvest

Detailed Description: The Navaho blackberry is widely considered one of the best-tasting thornless varieties ever developed. Unlike many other blackberries that require a complex trellis system, Navaho grows with sturdy, upright canes that are largely self-supporting—making it an excellent choice for smaller Houston gardens or even large containers. The berries are medium-sized, famously firm, and pack a high sugar content that makes them incredibly sweet.

One of the standout features of Navaho is its long harvest window, typically ripening in mid-to-late summer, which helps extend your berry season after other varieties have finished. Its fruit is so firm that it stays fresh much longer than standard berries, giving you more time to enjoy them fresh or use them in your favorite summer recipes. It is remarkably heat-tolerant and handles our local humidity with ease, provided it is planted in a spot with good drainage.

Created: February 8, 2026