Navaho Blackberries: Big Harvests Without a Trellis
If you’re a gardener working with limited space—or just want to keep things low-maintenance—Navaho blackberries might be your perfect match. These compact, thornless blackberry plants pack a punch when it comes to fruit production, and the best part? They stand tall all on their own, no trellis required. I have 3 blackberry plants on a trellis, and I know it’s a pain trying to corral the long canes each year, and in fact, I am going to have to add another fence post and wire soon to accommodate the new growth. That’s why when I saw Navaho Blackberries at my local garden center I knew I wanted to add them to my garden. They are a little pricier than regular blackberry plants. Prices range from 21.95 to 31.95 for a 2.5 gallon pot. The blackberry plants I saw were part of the Southern Living Plant collection.
What Makes Navaho Blackberries Different?
Unlike many traditional blackberry varieties that send out long, trailing canes in all directions (and need a support system to keep them in check), Navaho blackberries are erect-growing. That means they naturally grow upright, with sturdy stems that don’t flop over or sprawl. You can skip the trellis and the hassle, making them ideal for small gardens, raised beds, or even large containers.
Here’s why they’re a great choice for space-conscious gardeners:
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Compact and Upright Growth – They stay manageable without needing constant pruning or tying up.
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No Thorns – Easy on your hands and arms when harvesting—especially great for kids or anyone who doesn’t enjoy scratches in the garden.
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Heavy Yields – They produce large, juicy blackberries starting in mid to late summer.
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Low-Maintenance – Once established, Navajo blackberries are hardy, drought-tolerant, and relatively pest-resistant.
Perfect for the Raised Bed Garden
If you’re gardening in a raised bed—especially one set up with the square foot garden method—Navaho blackberries can fit right in. Give them a corner or dedicate one side of your bed, and they’ll reward you with a generous harvest without taking over the entire space.
You’ll want to space plants about 3 feet apart to give them breathing room and sunlight. In return, you’ll get up to 10–15 pounds of berries per plant in a season once they’re mature. This starts around their fourth year after planting.
Growing Tips for Success
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Sunlight: Full sun is a must for the sweetest berries.
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Soil: Well-drained soil with a little compost mixed in will keep them happy.
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Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
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Pruning: Cut back the old canes after they fruit each year, and you’ll encourage new, productive growth the following season.
One Plant, Many Possibilities
Whether you’re snacking straight from the plant, making jam, or freezing a few handfuls for smoothies, Navaho blackberries are proof that you don’t need a huge space (or a complicated setup) to grow something delicious.
If you’ve been holding off on growing blackberries because of space or support issues, give Navaho blackberries a try. They’re one of the easiest and most rewarding fruiting plants for a small garden—and best of all, you won’t need to wrestle with a single thorny cane or build a trellis.
Directions for planting from Southern Living Plants
- Water before planting
• Plant in full sun
• Dig hole 2X the width of pot
• Backfill and plant 1″-2″ above soil level
• Water and add more soil if needed
• Mulch plants 1-2″ deep around plant, avoiding area closest to stem
Blackberries will grow on second year growth. For detailed instructions on pruning Navaho Blackberries see this guide on Southern Living Plants