Blackberry Planting & Harvesting Program

Johnny's Fruit Harvest Programs


Season Extension by Variety Selection

Extend your blackberry harvest through variety selection. Use our charts to choose varieties by key distinguishing features and the following seasonal fruiting/harvesting slots: Take note that actual ripening times will vary depending upon your latitude/geolocation, microclimate, cultivation practices, and year-to-year climate variation, among other factors.

Chart: Blackberry Harvest Window

Variety June July August September
'Natchez'
'Ouachita'
'Ponca'
'Caddo'
'Triple Crown'
'Prime Ark Freedom®'
'Chester'




Blackberry Variety Comparison Chart

Variety* Fruiting Season Growing Zones Plant Type Thorns/Thornless Notes
'Natchez' Early 5–9 Floricane Thornless First-early thornless blackberry.
'Ouachita' Early 6–9 Floricane Thornless Strong disease resistance.
'Ponca' Early 6–9 Floricane Thornless Cold-hardy compact plants.
'Caddo' Mid-Season 6–9 Floricane Thornless Ideal for fresh eating.
'Triple Crown' Mid-Season 6–9 Floricane Thornless Top-quality blackberry for processing.
'Prime Ark Freedom®' Mid- to Late-Season Suitable for Zone 5 but grows best in Zones 6–9. Primocane Thornless Improved thornless blackberry.
'Chester' Late-Season 5–9 Floricane Thornless Winter-hardy blackberry.