Blackberry Natchez
Content:
Today, many gardeners, farmers and gardeners have come to the conclusion that blackberries are very profitable to grow, especially if you compare this plant with raspberries. Of course, these species are very different from each other, but at the same time, in the biological question, they have more similarities than differences. They have similar taste characteristics and can be used in the same or similar areas. Only blackberries have some benefits. First, it bears much more fruit; secondly, it is less likely to get sick or come across pests and bacteria. Thirdly, blackberries contain much more nutrients and trace elements than raspberries. One of the contenders for the title of the best and most fertile variety is the Natchez blackberry.
Of course, it is worth remembering that there are no ideal blackberry varieties, but gardeners are constantly trying to find something new and special in order to experience new growing experiences, new agricultural techniques and, of course, new tastes and qualities of fruits. Some have long been addicted to growing older, more classic varieties, but there are those gardeners who are more interested in growing new items in the horticultural field.
In this article we will try to understand in more detail what the Natchez blackberry is, what properties and characteristics it has, and what it needs in order to demonstrate unsurpassed qualities that will undoubtedly be advantageous compared to some other crops and plantings from the same family.
Blackberry Natchez: description of the variety, its characteristics

Blackberry Natchez: photo of the variety
For the first time, attempts to create a garden variety of the Natchez blackberry were made back in 1998, and then American breeders for the first time carried out the pollination of hybrid varieties. The seedlings were harvested only in 2001. The most promising and strongest representatives were selected from them. And now, after several years of experiments and tests, already in 2007, a sample called ark. 2241 got its official name - Natchez blackberry. This is how this variety appeared, which is considered one of the youngest today, but at the same time one of the most popular.
Today, Natchez blackberries occupy one of the leading positions among all varieties that were bred in the United States and are grown not only in America, but throughout the world. But at the same time, one should not forget that American gardeners and domestic gardeners have slightly different priorities precisely in terms of what exactly they need from planting, and what result they want to have as a result.
For Russians, it is important to get a good harvest, and so that the Natchez garden blackberry bushes themselves are as simple as possible in terms of planting care. But in our country this variety is not so popular, and it has been studied relatively little, so in this case, only true connoisseurs and experts who have long been engaged in planting and breeding blackberries can understand the taste and characteristics.
The American consumer may be a little spoiled by the fact that a wide variety of blackberry varieties are available to them. And therefore, for him, the tasting qualities of the fruits, as well as the external decorativeness and attractiveness of the fruits, are in the first place.
At the same time, yield is not the most significant factor. After all, the harvest is given by different plants and shrubs in different ways, but in the aggregate it can be varied and very plentiful.In addition, the climatic conditions are excellent for the blackberry to adapt perfectly and take root there, therefore, in the winter period, the shoots can not be removed from the supports and not covered. This saves the gardener a significant part of his time.
Black Natchez is a blackberry belonging to the category half-creeping varieties. At first, the shoots grow strictly straight and upward, but gradually they begin to move to a horizontal position, they are no longer like kumanik, but a dewdrop. The bush, becoming an adult, becomes very spreading and powerful, its lashes are very thick, they can reach seven meters in length, and sometimes even more.
In the first year after the Natchez blackberry plant is planted in open ground, the shoots spread directly on the ground, and their length reaches four meters. The variety differs from many other blackberry bushes in that it has absolutely no thorns or needles that could complicate the process of caring for the plant.
When the bushes become very mature, the lashes grow on them very quickly, and just as quickly they can form a large number of lateral branches and twigs, on which berries will then begin to form. Blackberry leaves may differ from leaves that form on other bushes of other varieties. In Natchez, the foliage is painted in a light green shade, small notches can be seen along the edges, and the surface of the leaves is terry, very interesting and decorative.
It is important to remember some subtleties. For example, that escapes this plant not only bends very badly, but can also break very easily, they can crack, sores begin to form, which will then lead to the fact that the plant will react extremely negatively to any external stimuli. Bacteria, fungal and pest spores will form in the cracks, which can make Natchez blackberries sore and die.
Root system in blackberries of the Natchez variety, it is distinguished by a special power, and the better the root system is, the more the green grows. At the same time, the gardener can independently normalize the number of forming lashes, the abundance and thickening of the crown also directly depends on the gardener himself.
Fruiting they carry out shoots that were formed last year, but have already managed to get enough of all the mineral and nutrients, they have become strong enough to finally form a huge number of high quality fruits.
Berries Natchez are distinguished by attractive external characteristics. They are black in color and also have a very characteristic gloss. In shape, the berries resemble a slightly elongated cylinder; on average, the length of a berry can reach four centimeters, and the weight of one fruit is about nine grams.
This is a fairly high indicator, which should definitely be paid more attention. If the gardener will perfectly care for the planting, and the plants will be in a free planting and will have more freedom for growth and development, then the berries in some cases will show a weight of about twelve grams.
Some gardeners say that this weight is not absolute, but among some species it is still a record. Of course, here a lot will already depend on the care and on how correctly and carefully the agricultural technique was followed, and therefore special attention should be paid to it and be maximally involved in caring for the cultivation of Natchez blackberries.
On fruit branches, blackberries can be collected in tassels, in one brush can be located from twelve to thirty berries of excellent quality and excellent taste. The berries are quite dense, but moderately. They are very succulent, but they are excellent for long-distance transportation if the blackberry is grown on a wider industrial scale.
It is also worth keeping in mind that the berries are attached to the stalk very well, the separation is dry in nature. The drupes in the fruits are small enough, they are pleasant to eat, they do not cause absolutely any discomfort in any way.
Taste the fruits of the Natchez garden blackberry are very sweet, there is sourness, but it is practically not felt. The tasting score of this variety is 4.6 points on a five-point system. Domestic gardeners rate the taste of this variety at 4.3 points, but still this variety is quite attractive for gardeners, both domestic and foreign.
However, some external factors and characteristics also affect the quality of berries. Care from the gardener is very important, as well as the composition of the soil in which the blackberry bush grows. Aesthetes and gourmets, experts in taste characteristics say that after picking these fruits have a slightly coffee aroma, and in general they are quite distinctive and original.
Gardeners leave a large number of reviews about this variety, and mostly say that the Natchez blackberry is a wonderful plant that has a large number of excellent qualities and characteristics.
For some, this variety is ideal from the entire dessert group, but you should not make hasty conclusions and hurry too much - you should take a closer look at the characteristics and features of the blackberry variety called Natchez, so that it is more clear what this variety is like, which ones it has the most characteristic features and characteristics. And how does it differ from other varieties, and what are its shortcomings, because of which it does not always become a welcome guest on the plots.
This variety can hardly be attributed to drought tolerant group of plants. The entire crop responds well to the introduction of moisture into the soil, and irrigation must be done on a regular basis. The bush tolerates heat and drought well, but if the temperature rises above thirty-five degrees, then the berries are best shaded, otherwise they will very quickly lose not only their external characteristics, but also their taste and quality.
So it is worthwhile to think several times about what place will be selected for planting this plant, and only after careful selection and preparation, plant the plant in open ground.
Don't rely on quality either. frost resistance Natchez blackberries - in this variety they are also generally at an average level. Blackberries Natchez can endure frosts and temperature drops of at least -14 degrees. Shoots can easily withstand low temperatures and even temperature extremes. But as for the flower buds, they begin to freeze very actively at this temperature.
In general, this variety of blackberries has a tendency to quickly build up the green mass of the plant, and after damage the bush quickly recovers on its own, if, of course, the gardener maintains some more favorable conditions for planting. After all, it is almost impossible to do without it. But at the same time, the bush will refuse to bear fruit in this case.
So it is worth covering the plant for the winter, even in relatively warm southern regions, where the Natchez variety of blackberries grows. This is an important rule, which mainly depends on the gardener himself, on his efforts and desire to do everything to make the planting feel comfortable and safe.
Transportability Blackberry varieties Natchez are distinguished by high rates. In general, this is quite a rarity for such juicy berries, it is impossible to find at least one thorn on the shoots, which is also a significant positive quality for planting, and indeed the advantage of the Natchez variety over many other blackberry varieties.
Of course, like any other fruit and berry crop, the Natchez blackberry also requires attention and some effort from the gardener.This is not to say that this variety is unpretentious, but if you know the intricacies and follow the rules of agricultural technology, then even those gardeners who previously had absolutely no experience in these activities can cope with leaving.
Agree, this is a success, and it is really very important for a plant, whose result is abundant and tasty fruiting. The selection of a place for planting, as well as the choice of soil, should be treated very responsibly. Not only the number of fruits, but also their external and taste qualities, largely depends on this, so it is worth keeping in mind this aspect - it is initial and very significant.
The Natchez blackberry thornless variety is one of the earliest blackberry varieties. Depending on which region and area the bush grows in, bloom it can start either in the middle or at the very end of May. Fruiting blackberry has a stretched character, sometimes it comes to the point that the fruits can be enjoyed for forty days. Sometimes, if you follow all the rules and agricultural techniques, then fruiting lasts even longer.
The beginning of the ripening of berries depends on the climatic conditions in which the planting is located. If the Natchez blackberry grows in the south, then the berries will begin to ripen in the middle or towards the end of June. Blackberries in the Moscow region, in principle, calmly ripen by mid-July, from that time on, gardeners can enjoy wonderful and incredibly tasty berries.
Yield Blackberries of the Natchez variety are considered one of the highest, if not the highest among all other American dessert varieties. From one bush that has reached adulthood, it is possible to collect from fifteen to twenty kilograms of high-quality and very tasty berries.

Black blackberry Natchez: photo of the variety
Also, if we take into account fruiting at an early time and the absence of spiked shoots, then in general this variety is very close to ideal, and therefore many gardeners and gardeners who are interested in planting and breeding blackberry crops on their site pay attention to it.
But all this is not so easy to achieve. The replacement shoots of this variety are very poorly formed, therefore, in order to get a plentiful and high-quality harvest, it is necessary to grow the Natchez garden blackberry variety in the so-called two-year cycle.
This means that during the fruiting period, young shoots are completely cut out of the bush. Next year, in the spring, the bush will be bare, but at the same time it will give an impetus to the growth and development of new lashes, but at the same time berries will not form on the bush at this time. It should be understood that this is completely normal for a plant, the main thing is to wait, and after a year the bush will be literally strewn with berries.
The nesshipless variety of Natchez blackberries is a dessert, as the berries are incredibly tasty, sweet, large. They are great to eat fresh, and you can also use the fruit to make desserts.
But if we talk about blanks, then they do not turn out exactly as the gardener or cook expects to receive them. The fact is that the sweet taste of berries is not so appropriate here, juices and jams are very cloying, but they can be mixed with juices or other berries and fruits to balance the taste, then it turns out to be excellent.
Also, berries can be used to make multi-juices and assorted jams, which will appeal not only to adults, but also to the smallest lovers of sweets from their own personal plot. In addition, the berries contain a large amount of vitamins and nutrients that are well accepted by the human body.
Like any blackberry variety, the Natchez variety also has the characteristic disease resistance and pests, bacteria, attacks and external influences.But still we must not forget about preventive treatments, as well as the fact that it is better to plant blackberries away from nightshade crops, as well as from plants such as raspberries or strawberries, since they can just provoke the development of any disease or attract attention from the side of insect pests that will certainly want to feast on the blackberry crop.
It is ideal to grow blackberry bushes at a distance of about fifty meters from each other and from other crops, and this distance must be constantly maintained to keep the planting alive.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Let's talk about some of the advantages and disadvantages of this blackberry variety. Other varieties have the same characteristics, both positive and negative, it is difficult to find the ideal variety - unfortunately, its breeders have not yet bred.
TO merits, which really distinguish the Natchez variety from all other varieties include the following characteristics:
- berries ripen much earlier than on many other varieties and bushes of blackberries;
- the yield of the Natchez thornless blackberry is estimated as high, and this is an indisputable fact;
- the berries of the plant are very large and attractive. Their tasting score is one of the highest among other berry varieties, and it is 4.6 points out of five;
- berries can be transported over long distances, fruits can lie for a long time without losing their external and taste qualities and characteristics;
- there are no thorns on the shoots and twigs, due to which it is very easy to care for the plant and it is easy to harvest the entire crop without residue;
- the whips of the variety give a large number of branches on the sides, fruit branches are also formed there, on which the berries themselves are formed. The more branches, the more fruits, which means the yield will be very high;
- the variety is very resistant to diseases and attacks from pests due to the developed high immunity and undoubtedly high stress resistance;
- berries have a dry separation, they are well stored, they are very convenient to collect;
- fruiting is long, reaching forty days, under some circumstances and with proper care, fruiting can last even longer;
- berries are perfectly attached to the stalk, do not have a tendency to shedding. If the berries are overripe, then they also will not crumble from the bush, will not lose their decorative and taste characteristics. So you can sometimes postpone the harvest for a more convenient moment. This indicator will be of interest to those summer residents who do not very often appear at their summer cottages and, accordingly, cannot regularly harvest;
- if the bush is suddenly exposed to frost, it freezes, then the gardener may not be afraid that he will lose his variety and harvest. The bush recovers on its own under any conditions, although we will not argue - on the part of the gardener, it is also necessary in this case to take some measures to restore the blackberry bushes.
Of course, aspects disadvantages we will not ignore berries - they are, and this is a fact.
- the Natchez blackberry variety has a low level of resistance to severe frosts, although it can self-repair;
- at temperatures above 35 degrees, the berries are simply baked, so it is imperative to shade the bushes in such conditions;
- shoots bend very badly, they are completely not flexible, and can not only break, but also crack - this is a minus in the sense that it will be very inconvenient for the gardener to prepare the plant for frost, cover it and protect it.
Blackberry Natchez: variety breeding
Let's talk a little about what are the ways of breeding the Natchez studless blackberry, and a specific variety. Unlike any other varieties and varieties, Natchez blackberries reproduce very poorly with root cuttings.It is necessary to dig cuttings in the autumn, they are stored directly in the sand, and careful necessary conditions should be created for them, and the cuttings are planted in the spring, and only at this time.
The Natchez variety also produces a small number of replacement shoots, and we have already talked about this. This method is also not suitable for those gardeners who do not yet have some experience in growing a plant using this method. But you should not despair, since there is always a way out.
For example, you can propagate the Natchez variety of blackberries using layering, as well as the so-called method of pulping, which means that the tips of the shoots are rooted. These methods are available absolutely on any site, and even those gardeners who do not have any experience in this activity as such, but they still strive to do everything possible and be sure to propagate plantings in this way, can cope with the conditions.
The main thing is not to forget to water the branches that have been dug in, and then the result will not take too long to wait. Of course, there are certain rules for planting the Natchez variety, and the rules for the subsequent care of plants, and we will talk about this in the next part of this article devoted to such an interesting Natchez variety.
Blackberry Natchez: planting and caring for the plant
The Natchez blackberry variety is planted just like any other blackberry variety. Just keep in mind that the plant is quite demanding on the soil, so it just won't be possible to dig a Natchez blackberry seedling on the site and leave it there unattended and unsupported.
In the southern regions, blackberries can also be planted in the autumn, but at the same time, do this no later than a month and a half months before the expected frost occurs. These deadlines must be observed just so that the young seedling of the Natchez plant can take root and gain strength directly from the soil.
If we are talking about areas and regions where a temperate or cool climate reigns, then it is best to transfer all this earthwork to the spring, when the soil has time to evenly warm up after winter. Before the onset of winter, the blackberry will definitely have time to take root on the site, which means that it will certainly survive such a difficult period without any special losses, and this is really very important for such a bright and significant plant.
A place for blackberries, it must be sunny enough, and it must necessarily be protected from sudden gusts of wind. In the south, in the middle of the summer season, it is necessary to shade the bushes a little, otherwise the fruits will begin to bake, lose all their qualities.
Raspberries, strawberries, strawberries, as well as nightshade crops should not be planted near blackberries, otherwise diseases will begin to develop, or the plant will be attacked by pests and pathogenic bacteria.
Priming ideally, it should be fertile and loose, the acid reaction is weak. It can be loamy soil, and if there is sandy soil, then it is best not to plant a blackberry in it, it will definitely not be able to take root there normally, not to mention growth and development. Groundwater should be deepened, should be located no higher than one and a half meters from the surface, so that they do not touch the root system of the blackberry, and so that the bush does not begin to rot in its most basic part.
Black blackberry Natchez really needs preliminary, pre-planting preparation of the soil itself. Pits are dug about two weeks before the planting of seedlings, the depth and diameter should be at least half a meter. The mixture should be very nutritious, it is prepared from the top removed fertile soil layer, as well as humus, potassium and superphosphate. All this is thoroughly mixed so that all components are evenly mixed with each other, as this is very important.
But the variety is also very demanding when it comes to the calcium content of the soil.When planting the plant itself, it is better not to add calcium nitrate to the soil, but dolomite flour or eggshells are perfect for these purposes - the most affordable means. But thanks to calcium, the acidity can be reduced, so sometimes it is added a little to the planting mixture in the form of red peat.
Again, here it is worth focusing on the general condition of the soil and on what its initial composition is, and only then decide whether to add such components, or you can completely do without them. This is the decision of the gardener himself.
If the soil is sandy, then more organic fertilizers and components should be added to it. If the acidity is increased, then it can be neutralized with dolomite flour. If the soil is very dense, you can add a little sand to it to loosen it and make it lighter.
Neutral or alkaline reactions can also be manually balanced by adding sour red peat to the soil. Here again, the condition of the soil, its properties and composition is assessed, and based on this, the gardener decides whether to add certain components, or he will refrain from additives.
Saplings Natchez studless blackberries are purchased from specialty stores or nurseries. It is also worth keeping in mind that if you buy seedlings in an unverified place, then there is a high probability that the gardener will receive a wrong variety that he would like to get, and in his hands will be a low-quality and overvalued fake. So it is best to contact trusted retail chains and nurseries, because there specialists will be honest and will be able to help you choose high-quality Natchez blackberry seedlings, strong and fresh, viable, without damage or any drawbacks.
There are absolutely no thorns on the shoots of the Natchez variety, they must be elastic, without damage, cracks, signs of rot. The root system must be healthy, and this can be understood by the smell - the roots smell like fresh earth, and not putrefactive decomposition. Also, the roots should be strong and well-developed, they should not have fungal growths, there should be no rotting.
The shoots of the Natchez thornless blackberry should be firm, bend well and easily and return to their original position, which will also be a sign of a healthy and robust plant.
Before planting, the blackberries should be watered, the bare root remains in the water for the whole night. For this, water must be settled, at room temperature.
When landing, it is worth following the algorithm and a special scheme. You can not plant the bushes very tightly to each other. Blackberries generally form a very powerful bush that needs a lot of space. The roots become very well developed and powerful, the shoots are thick, a large number of branches are formed on the sides - of course, such a plant needs enough space so that it does not feel oppressed, and because of this, it does not experience negative sensations that will affect its development.
The optimum distance between plants will be about three meters. If these are industrial plantings, larger and more extensive, then there this distance is reduced to two meters.
If the gardener does not have the opportunity to provide the plant with so much space, then at a distance of up to one and a half meters it is necessary to very strictly ration the shoots, and also give the blackberry a very enhanced nutrition.
But more experienced and experienced gardeners say that in this case it will be possible to collect much less berries from the bush than expected from the very beginning. So it is better, nevertheless, when planting in a group, to observe the optimal distance of at least two meters, otherwise the plant will not meet any expectations of the gardener, efforts and material resources will be spent very in vain. In addition, if you tighten the bushes, then the quality of the berries will become much lower, it can drop to zero altogether.
Planting blackberries Natchez has its own subsequence actions, it is recommended to follow it so that the result is excellent and of high quality:
- for a blackberry bush, a pit is prepared in advance, two-thirds of the pit is filled with prepared nutrient mixture, and the pit is completely filled with water. let this pit settle for ten days so that the soil is saturated and adapted;
- in the very center of the planting hole, a small hill is formed, around which the blackberry roots are neatly straightened. In general, when planting, it is better to work not alone, but with another gardener - one will support the bush, and the second will straighten the root system and monitor its integrity;
- The Natchez blackberry seedling is covered with nutritious soil, constantly compacting it so that air pockets do not form near the root system. The root collar is insignificantly insulated - by about two centimeters, no more;
- After that, the blackberries should be watered abundantly, and the trunk circle should be mulched. Humus or sour peat are perfect as mulch, as they are ideal for these purposes, protect the newly planted plant and saturate the soil.
The first time after the bush is in the open field, the blackberry must be watered abundantly and often. In no case should the soil dry out. There are also several principles of growing blackberries, they are also worth adhering to, they are interesting and very significant.
How to care for blackberries
Black blackberry natchez needs a must tying up, otherwise the bush will be spreading, it will be very inconvenient to care for it. For the garter, you can use a three-row trellis, the height of which reaches about two meters.
The variety is usually grown not in a one-year, but in a two-year cycle, and therefore the shoots are not divided according to the principle of fruiting and young. In this regard, they do not need to be bred in different directions, as is sometimes done with bushes of other varieties. In addition, the garter in this regard becomes generally as simplified as possible, and even gardeners without experience and certain knowledge will cope with it.
It is necessary to accustom the lashes to lifting on a support, as well as to shelter for the winter, exactly from the very moment they appear. When the shoots reach a length of twenty centimeters, then they are carefully bent to the surface of the earth and pinned, fixed.
When the lashes grow up a little, it will be much easier to tie them up, and it will also be easier to cover them for the winter period. In general, there are many procedures, following which you can simplify the care of the plant in the future, so it is worth considering these circumstances, which will only play into the hands of the gardener.
The Natchez bush is very often simply overloaded with berries, and because of this, the bush, its crown can be very dense. If the plant lacks feeding, and the gardener also neglects the Natchez blackberry pruning procedure, then the fruits simply will not ripen to the end, since they will lack mineral and nutrients, and due to the lack of sunlight, they will be small and tasteless ...

Blackberry Natchez: photo of the variety
There are also some necessary measures that you should definitely follow if the gardener wants to get the perfect blackberry bush. It is important to make efforts, this is a fact, but the result will be simply wonderful, this should also not be forgotten.
So, the necessary measures in caring for Natchez blackberries.
Blackberries in the summer watered very abundant and often, if there is no precipitation for a long time, then an adult bush will need four to five buckets of water at a time. When the ovaries and fruits are formed, watering is carried out once every three days, one bush takes from twenty to thirty liters of water.
The same irrigation regime is observed during the fruiting of shrubs. The variety should also be very generously fed.In the spring, the plant needs nitrogenous fertilizers, and calcium nitrate, which contains literally everything, is best suited in this case.
During the flowering period, as well as when the fruits begin to form, then the blackberry is worth feed with a complete mineral complex. Also, the complex should contain calcium, which will support the fruits, the plant will grow stronger, become very bright and really fertile.
For the culture of blackberries, it is worth using only those fertilizers that do not contain chlorine and similar additives and impurities. When the plant enters the fruiting stage, it is also possible to organize additional feeding, which is done with mullein tincture or herbal tincture.
The proportions depend on the age of the plant and on its size. Foliar dressings are also useful, you can add a certain amount of humate, chelates to them, since thanks to them the taste of the berries becomes brighter and more juicy, and the plant also receives absolute protection from chlorosis.
With all this, these substances are completely safe for the human body, the main thing is to follow the instructions and proportions, and then everything will be just fine. At the very beginning of the autumn period, the variety can also be fed with a small amount of potassium monophosphate.
In spring, as well as in autumn, a bush is required loosen. When it enters the flowering stage, as well as the fruiting process, then the trunk circle is also recommended to promulgate. Thanks to mulch, moisture will evaporate more slowly from the soil, and mulch is generally an additional top dressing that protects the root part from overheating, which can occur in extreme heat and no precipitation for a long time.
Blackberry natchez is a crop that is grown as fruitful not once, but twice a year. This is due precisely to the fact that the variety has practically no replacement shoots. In the year of fruiting, all young lashes are recommended to be trimmed to zero the Natchez blackberries.
Next year, they will have time to grow in sufficient quantities to produce fruits and berries in large quantities, which will satisfy the needs and desires of the gardener himself. Parts of the shoots at a height of about one and a half meters should pinch since this will provoke and stimulate the growth of lateral shoots and, accordingly, lateral branching will increase.
In general, you can not do this with this variety, since it already bushes well without it. The lateral growth can be shortened to thirty centimeters, since the berries will not overload the bush, but the remaining fruits will be very large and very sweet. After fruiting stops, old shoots should be removed.
Natchez blackberries are also sanitized throughout the year. scraps. It is worth removing all frozen, broken off and dried branches, as well as too thin and unviable branches, which will give absolutely no result, but at the same time they will take away some nutrients and strength from the plant.
There are varieties of blackberries, which differ in that the berries must be removed very often in small quantities, as soon as they are ripe, otherwise they will crumble, their taste will become worse, and the quality of transportability will be lost.
But Natchez blackberries are not such a variety, since the berries do not lose their marketability for five days after they are fully ripe. In addition, Natchez perfectly tolerates transportation over long distances, without deforming and without losing taste and external characteristics. This, of course, is the dignity of this variety.
The fruits are best eaten fresh immediately after they have been picked from the bushes. You can also add berries to baked goods for making desserts. Berry blanks are too sugary and sweet, so it is recommended to mix with other fruits and berries.Excellent juices, preserves and even wines will be guaranteed for the grower and chef.
By winter, the variety should be started either in September or in October, it all depends on the region and area in which the variety grows. During this period, young shoots are not yet fully ripe, they are flexible enough to form them under shelter. They are carefully bent to the ground and fixed, and a shelter can be made right before the frost hits.
As a shelter, you can use spruce branches or straw, agrofibre, dry corn stalks. Blackberries have a low level of frost resistance, therefore, for safety, it is worth installing a layer of agrofibre or spunbond on top of this structure, which are sold in any gardening store or in a hardware store.
Natchez blackberries are very rarely sick, and pests do not attack it, and the plant is protected absolutely also if the gardener followed all the requirements of agricultural technology and looked after the planting in accordance with all the rules and principles.
But in order to carry out prevention diseases, in the spring and autumn periods, the bush is sprayed with a product that contains copper. Foliage and cut shoots are removed from the site, destroyed so that pests or harmful bacteria do not develop in them. In conclusion, I would like to say that Natchez blackberry is a wonderful plant that has both strengths and weaknesses.
We understand that the ideal variety that will meet absolutely all the requirements and whims of gardeners has not yet been bred. But then there are varieties (and, in particular, Natchez) that are very close to perfection.
One of the striking advantages of this variety is its high yield, as well as berries that are excellent in their taste characteristics, which cannot be ignored. Planting reviews are extremely positive, and this is also an indicator that the variety has already been appreciated by many gardeners and gardeners.