Chester Thornless Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus 'Chester')

Chester Thornless Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus 'Chester') is a deciduous fruiting shrub with a semi-upright habit and large, sweet blackberries. Its thornless growth makes it an appealing addition to an edible garden where summer harvests are part of the routine.

Chester is self-pollinating and has good cane blight resistance. Plant in a sunny location with room for its mature growth and provide support for best performance.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous fruiting shrub
• Mature size: 4–6 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 7 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8
• Light: Full sun to partial sun; best fruit production in full sun
• Soil: Rich, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
• Flowers: White
• Harvest: Summer
• Pollination: Self-pollinating
• Chill requirement: 300–500 hours

Care and pruning

Water regularly and stake or support the canes for best performance. Immediately after harvest, remove canes that have fruited by cutting them to the ground. Non-fruiting canes can be tip-pruned in summer.

Watch for wilt, anthracnose, and Botrytis, as well as cane and crown borers. Good cane blight resistance does not eliminate the need to monitor plant health.

Garden use

Use in edible gardens, grouped plantings, or roomy borders. Pair with blueberries or bee balm to add variety to the planting.

Image credits: Prides Corner, Rubus fruticosus 'Chester'; BallSeed Inc., Blackberry Chester Thornless. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.