Blackberry 'Chester'

Rubus fruticosus

How to grow Blackberry 'Chester'

  • Full Sun

  • High

Water as needed to maintain evenly moist soil.

Late season thornless cultivars have a high water demand for adequate growth in summer. If soil dries out in late summer it will effect plant performance. Primary criteria for site selection are protection and slope. Blackberries are highly stressed by strong winds and will not thrive, therefore a sheltered position is paramount. A south facing slope (southern hemisphere), will reduce exposure to northerly summer winds as well as reduce soil and air temperatures. A north facing slope in the northern hemisphere will provide similar protection.

A north-south aspect is preferable to an east-west aspect, as is afternoon shade to help prevent sun-scorching of fruit.

Chester likes a position of full sun and remember to water often. Keep in mind when planting that Chester is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures. Ensure your soil is loamy and sandy and has a ph of between 5.5 and 7.0 as Blackberry is a weakly acidic soil to neutral soil loving plant.

Growing Chester from seed

Transplanting Chester

1. This plant prefers good drainage and acidic soil. Adding peat moss can create an acid soil.
2. Dig hole one and a half times wider than the container.
3. Remove plant; roughen sides and bottom of root ball.
4. Center root ball in hole, keeping plant vertical and top of root ball level with nearby soil.
5. Back fill the hole; tamp down.
6. Water thoroughly. Refill soil if needed; water again.
7. Add 3" of mulch around plant, keep away from stem.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Chester is a hardy plant.

Harvesting Chester

This variety tends to be ready for harvesting by mid summer.

Other Names for Blackberry 'Chester'

Chester thornless