How to Grow Navajo Blackberries

Navajo blackberry bushes have an upright growth habit and strong canes that require no support, and are completely thornless. They grow up to 8 feet tall and are covered in small, sweet berries in early summer that cooks make into jams, jellies or pies. Navajo blackberries do well in full or partial sun and fast-draining, rich soil. They are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Planting Zones 6 through 9.

Garden tiller
Spade
Pruning shears
10-10-10 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Loosen the soil with a garden tiller. Remove all large rocks, sticks and vegetation clumps.
- 2
  Plant the shrubs in a hole equal the depth and double the width of their root system. Leave a space of 2 to 4 feet between each bush and water until the soil is well saturated, but not wet.
- 3
  Prune the canes to a height of approximately 6 inches at the time of planting.
- 4
  Provide each bush will approximately 1 inch of water every week throughout the growing season. Pull weeds from around the plants regularly.
- 5
  Clip off the tips of new canes in summer to encourage growth. Prune old canes to the ground each fall.
- 6
  Feed in early spring, before new growth starts, with 10-10-10 fertilizer applied at a rate of 1/4 lb. per bush. Feed the plants again in June if they are growing slowly. Avoid fertilizing during the first spring after planting, as this could harm tender new roots.

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