Blackberry Thornfree: variety description, cultivation and care, bush formation

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

History of Thornfree Blackberries

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

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Thornfree blackberry benefits include:

No thorns on bushes.
The fruits are sweet and juicy, with a slight acidity and a delicate aroma.
High yield.
Shrubs don't take long to care for.
Immunity to diseases and insects.
Berries do not crumple during long hauls.

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

External Description

Before choosing a blackberry hybrid, they study the features of the bush, shoots, characteristics of the fruit, as well as the root system.

Bush and shoots

The bush belongs to the semi-upright type. Needs support. Shoots are thick, on average 3-5 cm, rich green hue. Faceted at the base, without spikes.

Fruits

Ripe berries of rich black and 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 pieces of berries.

Root system

The rhizome of the shrub is well developed, so the blackberry can do without watering for a long time.

Features

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

Suitable region and climate

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

Resistant to diseases and pests

The Thornfree variety is characterized by immunity to stem cancer and anthracnose. But if you do not 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. From one bush collect up to 30 kg. Fruiting is stable. The first ripe berries appear on the bushes in August.

Fruiting continues until the last decade of September.

Where berries are used

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

Crop propagation

The easiest way to propagate is with green cuttings. Using this method, you can get 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. Then they are cut into cuttings. Only one leaf is left on each cutting. The bottom two are completely cut off. A cutting is placed in containers with soil so that the buds from the cut leaves are in the ground. Store containers in a shady area and water regularly. After 14 days, roots should appear. A month later, the cuttings are planted in the soil.

Boarding rules

Further productivity depends on the correct planting of seedlings.

Optimal timing

It is recommended to plant blackberries in the spring, in the second decade of April - early May. Planting seedlings in autumn is undesirable.

Choosing a suitable location

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

Necessary composition and soil preparation

Light fertile soil rich in nutrients is suitable for planting. The acidity is neutral or low. It is undesirable to plant blackberries where raspberries used to grow. Begin preparing the soil in the fall. Manure, superphosphate and wood ash are added to the soil.

Selection of seedlings

He althy seedlings with a well-developed root system are suitable for planting. The roots must not be damaged. Stems are firm, not dry.

Algorithm and landing technology

Dig a hole in prepared soil. Gently place a seedling in it and bury it with soil. Then tamp 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 on top.

Irrigation Features

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

Fertilizer

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

Cutting and shaping

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

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

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

Tie bushes

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

Seasonal processing

In autumn it is worth digging up the soil to destroy harmful insects that hibernate in the ground. In the spring, the bushes are sprayed with a 3% solution of copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture. These remedies 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 suburban area. The young are removed from the trellises and laid on the ground. Then they hide. Before bending the bushes, it is advisable to lay straw or boards on the soil. In the southern regions, bushes may not be covered for the winter. Cover plants in the central part immediately after the first frost. If the weather in the region is unpredictable, you can do it earlier.