Description and characteristics of Chester Thornless blackberry, planting and care

Recently, blackberries have been grown at home. Many varieties have been bred for this purpose. One of the most popular is Chester Thornless, a blackberry with excellent characteristics.

History of Chester blackberry breeding

In America, Maryland, this variety was bred in the 70s. Chester is a cross between Darrow and Thornfree. Chester is a blackberry variety with spreading bushes and large clusters completely covered with berries.

Pros and cons of the variety

Among the advantages are:

• resistance to winter cold;
• rich harvest for the season;
• attractive appearance;
• possibility of transportation over long distances;
• long shelf life.

Disadvantages:

• need for shelter;
• poor growth in shaded areas.

Despite the fact that blackberries tolerate cold well, it is recommended to cover them for the winter. To do this, use any available means. Blackberries do not like to grow in lowlands and ravines.

Botanical characteristics

Thanks to their characteristics, blackberries are easier to recognize among other varieties. This refers to the appearance of the bush and berries, ripening, etc.

Appearance of the bush and shoots

The blackberry bush is described as semi-creeping. Chester is characterized by dense branching. The growth of shoots begins at the site of the first buds - near the ground. Due to increased bushiness, a large number of brushes appear on the branches. The main advantage is that they are suitable for bearing fruit. The plant reaches a height of 3 m.

Ripening time and yield

The Chester blackberry bush bears fruit late compared to other varieties. Ripe berries appear between late June and early August. Ripe berries are black and shine in the sun. Many clusters with fruits form on the bushes. Therefore, a decent amount of berries are collected during the season.

Characteristics and use of berries

The length of each fruit reaches 3 cm.Chester has a sour taste, as it does not contain much sugar. Picked fruits tolerate transportation well. Chester is suitable for people who are on a diet. Especially useful for those who have carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Blackberries are good for health.

Suitable region and climate

Chester is a variety of blackberry that can take root in almost any country in Europe, as well as Russia and Ukraine. Easily tolerates warm and humid winters. If the pointer on the thermometer reaches -30 °C, it is enough to cover the bush with a cloth or use other standard measures.

Possible diseases and their treatment

Blackberries are a favorite treat for raspberry beetles, weevils and shoot aphids. If pests live on the bushes long enough, the blackberries become sensitive to the slightest frost. The branches dry out because they do not receive enough nutrition.

To avoid a similar fate, during the growing season the bushes are sprayed with Kinmiks or Fitoverm. 2-3 ml of the drug is enough per bucket of water. For ease of application, use a sprayer.

You can get rid of beetles by simply shaking the bushes. A white cloth is spread on the ground to see how much there are pests on blackberries. The maximum result from the procedure will be noticeable if the event is held on a cool morning.

To combat beetles and aphids, the following methods will help:

1. Spraying with soap solution. 30 g of grated soap are diluted in 10 liters of water.
2. Garlic infusion. The cloves of a large head of garlic are infused in water (a bucket), and then sprayed on the bushes.
3. Tobacco smoke against aphids. The bushes are fumigated with smoke.

At the initial stages, it is recommended to use traditional methods of pest control. They are available to every person, since they are always at hand. If the problem has reached a large scale, chemicals are used.

Reproduction methods

The following are distinguished:

1. Propagation by green cuttings.
2. Pinning the apical shoot.

In the first case, the procedure is carried out in mid-summer. The upper part of the stem is cut off and placed in water. There should be one bud on the branch. The stem is planted in a pot and left for a month. At the same time, greenhouse conditions must be created. Once the root system has formed, the plant is ready to be planted in the soil.

Planting seedlings

At first glance, the procedure seems simple. But it contains many stages that a person must go through. Only in this way will it be possible to form a seedling that will turn into an adult tree.

When to plant blackberries

Favorable period: spring or autumn. In the spring, it is recommended to wait for the soil to dry completely, and in the fall, have time to plant the bush before the prolonged autumn rains. Blackberries should be well established in the ground before frost sets in.

Preparation of planting material

The requirements for young blackberry bushes are the presence of 2 stems, which are well developed, and a branched root system with a bud. Before planting in the ground, the roots are cleaned and dried and damaged parts are removed. After this, the roots are dipped into a clay mash.

Selecting a site and preparing for planting

Blackberries like to grow in sunny areas, but the rays should not be direct. A flat surface is suitable for bushes. The soil is loose with a neutral composition.

Landing scheme and technology

The procedure is step by step:

1. Holes or trenches are prepared on the site. Recommended depth: 30 cm.The distance between the bushes is from 2 to 3 m, which allows the blackberries to feel comfortable.
2. The soil obtained after digging holes is mixed with potassium sulfate or nitrophoska.
3. All holes are watered abundantly, after which planting begins.
4. The young bush is lowered into the hole, straightening the roots.
5. The hole with the roots is covered with earth mixed with fertilizers.
6. Then the tree is watered abundantly.

As soon as the planting is completed, they begin to form a tree trunk circle. It is mulched using bark, sawdust, pine needles or peat. After planting, the stems are trimmed so that the height does not exceed 25 cm.

How to care for a plant

After planting, the blackberries move on to the next stage - care. What does it consist of:

• watering;
• removal of weeds;
• loosening the soil;
• prevention and control of insects and diseases;
• formation of bushes by pruning.

It is necessary to constantly care for blackberries. Even if a person is far from this, over time he will develop certain skills and it will be easy for him. This is why it is so important to pay close attention to the recommendations and care tips.

Regularity of watering

Although Chester blackberries need moisture, they can survive without water for long periods of time. This feature is ensured by the root system, which lies deep and well developed. Blackberries are fruit bushes that can survive drought conditions.

Proper nutrition and loosening of the soil

The addition of additional components is necessary after the winter period. This allows you to replenish the bush’s reserves and prepare it for the formation of flowers and fruits. Urea and ammonium nitrate perform this function perfectly. After watering, the soil is loosened so that oxygen reaches the root system.

Installing a support for bushes

This is necessary, first of all, for the convenience of harvesting. Vertical trellises are installed without fail, helping to guide creeping branches. The presence of a support ensures easy care of the bushes.

Pruning and shaping a berry bush

Removing blackberry branches is a lot of trouble. But without this procedure, the shrub will not be able to develop normally. Conducted regularly. Chester pruning is done every 2 years after the blackberries are planted in the ground. Then the shoots are removed every year. Trimming excess branches increases the yield of berries and has a positive effect on size.

Preventative treatment

Colloidal sulfur is chosen for spraying. This allows you to avoid the development of diseases in the variety. Simultaneously with the treatment, weeds are regularly removed.

How to prepare for winter

Chester is a blackberry variety that can withstand frosts down to -30 °C. If the indicator is even lower, it is recommended to play it safe and cover the bush. To do this, the branches are untied from the trellises, bent to the ground and covered with corn leaves. They are replaced with hay, straw, sawdust or humus. Leaves from fruit trees growing in the garden will not work. They can be carriers of pests. Blackberry leaves are collected and burned.

At first, after planting, you will have to work hard to ensure that the blackberries take root. But it’s worth it, since the bush will delight you with a harvest of tasty and healthy berries.