Description and varieties of Thornfree blackberries, cultivation and care, bush formation

Blackberries of the Thornfree variety were one of the first to appear on domestic markets. It was grown by both amateur summer residents and industrialists. The variety has won the love of summer residents around the world thanks to its delicious juicy berries.

History of the development of Thornfree blackberries

The Thornfree variety was bred in 1966 in the United States in the state of Maryland. The hybrid became one of the first thornless berry varieties that breeders managed to obtain. The hybrid is intended for cultivation on an industrial scale.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The benefits of Thornfree blackberries include:

• No thorns on the bushes.
• The fruits are sweet and juicy, with slight acidity and a delicate aroma.
• High yield.
• The bushes do not require much time to care.
• Immunity to diseases and insects.
• The berries do not wrinkle during long transportation.

The disadvantages of the thornless variety include the need for planting in open sunny areas. If plant blackberries in shade or partial shade, the berries become watery and sour.

External description

Before choosing a blackberry hybrid, the characteristics of the bush, shoots, characteristics of the fruit, as well as the root system are studied.

Bush and shoots

The bush belongs to the semi-upright type. Needs support. The shoots are thick, on average 3-5 cm, of a rich green hue. The base is faceted, without thorns.

Fruit

Ripe berries of a rich black-burgundy hue. At the stage of full maturity they are easily separated from the stalk. The weight of the berry is 5-7 g. The length is up to 4 cm. The yield reaches up to 30 kg without regular care. One brush can contain up to 30 berries.

Root system

The rhizome of the bush is well developed, so blackberries can go without watering for a long time.

Characteristics

Important characteristics of any variety are winter hardiness, disease resistance, productivity and a number of other parameters.

Suitable region and climate

Thornfree blackberries do not tolerate severe frosts, so it is recommended to plant them in warm regions or areas with a temperate climate, as well as in the Volga region. Blackberries will not take root in the north.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The Thornfree variety is characterized by immunity to stem canker and anthracnose. But if you don’t take care of the bushes, blackberry immunity alone will not be enough.

Terms and yield indicators

The yield of this blackberry variety is above average. Up to 30 kg is collected from one bush. Fruiting is stable. The first ripe berries appear on the bushes in August.

Fruiting continues until the last ten days of September.

Where are the berries used?

Ripe blackberries are suitable for fresh consumption. This variety has sweet and juicy fruits. Blackberries are also suitable for making jams, preserves, and confiture. You can freeze the berries for the winter or grind them with sugar.

Culture propagation

The easiest way to propagate is by green cuttings. Using this method, you can obtain a fairly large amount of planting material, since green cuttings quickly take root in a new place.

For propagation in summer, young shoots are cut off. After which they are cut into cuttings. Only one leaf is left on each cutting. The bottom two are completely cut off. The cuttings are placed in containers with soil so that the buds from the cut leaves are in the soil. Place containers in a dark place and water regularly. After 14 days, roots should appear. After a month, the cuttings are planted in the soil.

Landing rules

Further productivity depends on the correct planting of seedlings.

Optimal timing

It is recommended to plant blackberries in the spring, in the second ten days of April - early May. It is not advisable to plant seedlings in the fall.

Choosing a suitable location

In the central regions and the Volga region, Thornfrey is planted in open sunny areas. In the southern regions - in partial shade, as the sun's rays can burn the leaves.

Required composition and soil preparation

Light fertile soil rich in nutrients is suitable for planting. Acidity is neutral or low. It is not advisable to plant blackberries where raspberries used to grow. They begin to prepare the soil in the fall. Manure, superphosphate and wood ash are added to the soil.

Selection of seedlings

Healthy seedlings with a well-developed root system are suitable for planting. The roots should not be damaged. The stems are elastic, not dry.

Landing algorithm and technology

Dig a hole in previously prepared soil. Carefully place the seedling in it and bury it with soil. Then compact it near the stem and pour plenty of warm water.

Blackberry care

Growing blackberries is an easy process. If you devote time to agricultural technology, the yield will always be at its best.

Irrigation features

Water the bushes abundantly before flowering and during the formation of ovaries. Then, during fruiting, watering is stopped. Before the onset of winter, blackberries should be watered generously again.

Fertilizer

In spring, the bushes are watered with urea. In June, potassium fertilizers are applied to the soil. When the formation of ovaries begins, the plant is fed with liquid organic fertilizers. In the fall, after digging up the soil, add superphosphate.

Trimming and shaping

For the Thornfree variety, one-sided formation is used. Young shoots are directed in one direction, and old shoots in the other.With this type of formation, bushes need to be tied to high trellises.

If it is not possible to tie the bushes to high trellises, young shoots should be pinched after they reach a length of 60 cm.

New shoots grow from these axils. They are pinched when they reach a length of 50 cm. This method is suitable for the southern regions, since bending the bushes down for winter due to the thickness of the stems will be problematic.

Garter bushes

The simplest way to tie is to install several poles with wire tied to them. This method is universal and suitable for all growing regions.

Seasonal processing

In the fall, it is worth digging up the soil to destroy harmful insects that overwinter in the ground. In spring, the bushes are sprayed with a 3% solution of copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture. These products protect blackberries from diseases and insects. If necessary, treatment with these products can be repeated throughout the season.

How to cover for the winter

In autumn, old shoots are pruned. They are burned away from the dacha plot. The young ones are removed from the trellis and laid on the ground. Then they cover it up. Before bending the bushes, it is advisable to lay straw or boards on the soil. In the southern regions, bushes do not need to be covered for the winter. They begin to cover the plants in the central part immediately after the first frost. If the weather in the region is unpredictable, it is possible earlier.