These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
12-18 inch bare root plant.
Chester Thornless Blackberry (Rubus 'Chester')
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Chester Thornless' is a semi-erect, thorn-free blackberry cultivar developed jointly by the Agricultural Research Service, USDA, the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. It originated from a cross made between 'SIUS 47' and 'Thornfree' in 1968 and was released to nurseries for propagation in 1985.
Patent Status: 'Chester Thornless' Blackberry was released in 1985, prior to the era of widespread plant patenting for fruit cultivars; therefore, 'Chester Thornless' Blackberry either was not patented, or any granted patent has since expired, and it is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces large (up to 1 inch long), firm, glossy black berries with a sweet and slightly tart flavor. It is known for its very high and consistent yields, often bearing fruit for a long period in the late season. The berries are well-suited for fresh eating, freezing, and processing.
Ripening Time: Ripens in the **late season**, typically starting in July and extending into August, making it a good choice for extending the blackberry harvest. It is a floricane-fruiting variety, meaning it produces fruit on second-year canes.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Chester Thornless' has a vigorous, semi-erect growth habit with thornless canes that can reach lengths of 6-10 feet. While the canes are sturdy, they may benefit from some support, such as a trellis, to manage the heavy fruit load and prevent them from sprawling.
Flowers: Produces typical blackberry flowers on floricanes in the spring.
Hardiness: Considered moderately winter hardy, generally adapted to USDA Zones **5 through 8**. It is one of the more cold-hardy thorn-free varieties available.
Pollination: 'Chester Thornless' is self-pollinating (self-fertile) and does not require another blackberry variety for fruit production.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-6.5) is ideal. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root problems.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Water deeply and regularly, particularly during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Follow general recommendations for blackberry fertilization, typically a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning: Being floricane-fruiting, prune out the canes that have produced fruit after harvest, cutting them back to ground level. New primocanes (first-year canes) should be tipped in the late spring or early summer to encourage lateral branching and increase the fruiting potential for the following year. Thin out weak or overcrowded primocanes in late winter.
Uses: Excellent for:
Fresh eating due to its large size and good flavor.
Freezing well for later use.
Making jams, jellies, pies, and other baked goods.
Home gardens and pick-your-own operations due to its thornless nature and high yields.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife. Netting may be necessary to protect the ripening fruit.
Ornamental Value: The thornless canes and abundant fruit can add some ornamental appeal to the garden, especially when trained on a trellis.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Chester Thornless' is reported to have good resistance to common blackberry diseases such as anthracnose and cane blight, contributing to its reliability in various growing conditions.
