Description

Thornless Blackberry is a bush consisting of long trailing canes which can grow to 6 or 7 metres in length which produces broadly ovate leaves and sweet, juicy black berries in summer. Chester is non-invasive variety that is a pleasure to grow due to its lack of thorny barbs. These plants will reach full production after about 3 years.

Cultivation

The gross feeding plants must be protected from hot winds and will grow in any acidic to slightly acidic, well drained soil which has generous amounts of well rotted organic matter or compost applied to it before planting. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and place 1 to 2 canes together to ensure rapid establishment of a bush. These clumps of canes should be spaced about 2.5 metres apart in a row.

Water in well at planting time and ensure that the soil is kept moist at all times there after. Erect strong trellising to take the weight of the growing canes and train them on to it as they develop the following year. Plants will respond well to regular applications of liquid fertiliser and watering throughout the growing season. Fruiting will occur in December and should be picked every 4-5 days. Protect the growing bushes from Grey Mould (Botrytis) and birds.