Blackberry Chester Thornless: description and characteristics of the variety, planting and care with photo

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.

Chester blackberry breeding history

In America, Maryland, this variety was bred in the 70s. Chester is the result of a cross between Darrow and Thornfree. Chester is a blackberry variety with a spreading bush and large racemes 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;
• ability to transport over long distances;
• long shelf life.

From disadvantages:

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

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

Botanical characteristic

Due to its characteristics, blackberries are easier to recognize among other varieties. This refers to the appearance of the bush and berries, ripening and more.

The appearance of the bush and shoots

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

Ripening dates and yields

Chester Blackberry Bush bears fruit late compared to other varieties. Ripe berries appear from late June to early August. Ripe berries are black and glisten in the sun. Many brushes with fruits are formed on the bushes. Therefore, a decent amount of berries are harvested during the season.

Characterization and application of berries

The length of each fruit reaches 3 cm. Chester tastes sour, as it does not contain much sugar. Plucked fruits perfectly tolerate transportation. Chester is suitable for people who follow a dietary diet.Especially useful for those who have carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Blackberries are good for he alth.

Suitable region and climate

Chester is a variety of blackberries that can take root in almost any country in Europe, as well as Russia and Ukraine. Easily tolerates warm and wet 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

Blackberry is a favorite delicacy of the raspberry beetle, weevil and shoot aphid. If pests live long enough on the bushes, blackberries become sensitive to the slightest frost. The branches are shrinking because they don't get enough nutrition.

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

You can get rid of beetles by simply shaking the bushes. A white sheet is spread on the ground to see how many pests there are 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 soapy water. 30 g of grated soap is diluted in 10 liters of water.
2. Infusion of garlic. The cloves of a large head of garlic are infused in water (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 folk methods of pest control. They are available to everyone, because they are always at hand. If the problem has reached a large scale, chemicals are used.

Methods of reproduction

The following stand out:

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

In the first case, the procedure is carried out in the middle of 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, leaving for a month. At the same time, greenhouse conditions must be created. Once the root system has formed, the plant is ready for planting in the soil.

Planting seedlings

At first glance, the procedure seems simple. But it includes 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 earth to dry completely, and in the fall - to have time to plant a bush before the long autumn rains. Blackberries should take root well in the ground before frost.

Preparation of planting material

Requirements for young blackberry bushes - 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, dried and damaged parts are removed. After that, the roots are dipped in a clay mash.

Site selection and preparation for landing

Blackberries love 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.

Scheme and technology of landing

Step by step procedure:

1. Holes or trenches are being prepared on the site. The recommended depth is 30 cm. The distance between the bushes is from 2 to 3 m, which allows the blackberry to feel comfortable.
2. The soil obtained after digging holes is mixed with potassium sulfate or nitrophoska.
3. All holes are plentifully watered, after which they start planting.
4. The young bush is lowered into the hole, while straightening the roots.
5. The hole with roots is covered with soil mixed with fertilizer.
6. Then the tree is watered abundantly with water.

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

How to care for a plant

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

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

Caring for blackberries is a must. Even if a person is far from this, over time he will develop certain skills and it will be easy for him. That's why it's so important to pay close attention to care tips and advice.

Water Regularity

Although Chester blackberries need moisture, they can go without water for long periods of time. This feature is provided by the root system, which lies deep and is well developed. The blackberry is a fruit bush that can survive in drought conditions.

Complete nutrition and soil loosening

The introduction of additional components is necessary after the winter period. This allows you to replenish the bush and prepare it for the formation of flowers and fruits. Urea and ammonium nitrate do an excellent job with this function. After watering, the soil is loosened so that oxygen enters the root system.

Installing bush supports

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 provides easy care for the bushes.

Pruning and shaping the berry bush

Removing blackberry branches is a lot of work. But without this procedure, the shrub will not be able to develop normally. Held regularly. Chester pruning is done 2 years after the blackberries are planted in the ground. Then the shoots are removed every year. Pruning extra branches increases the yield of berries and positively affects the size.

Preventive treatment

Colloidal sulfur is chosen for spraying. This avoids the development of diseases in the variety. Simultaneously with processing, 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 trellis, 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 pest vectors. Blackberry leaves are harvested and burned.

At first, after disembarkation, you will have to work hard for the blackberry to take root. But it's worth it, as the bush will delight you with a harvest of tasty and he althy berries.

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