Species

1 other cultivar

‘Black Satin’Black Satin Blackberry

shrub

Chester Blackberry

Rubus ursinus 'Chester'

$37.80

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Same species

Species

1 other cultivar

‘Black Satin’Black Satin Blackberry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Average

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Cultivated hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A thornless, semi-erect, floricane-fruiting blackberry known for its vigor and reliability. It produces fruit on second-year canes and is highly productive. 'Chester' is one of the most winter-hardy thornless blackberry varieties, making it a top choice for colder climates. It also ripens late in the season, extending the fresh blackberry harvest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The plant's arching form, clusters of white spring flowers, and large, dark berries provide visual interest in an edible garden setting throughout the growing season.

Produces large quantities of firm, sweet berries that are excellent for all culinary uses, including freezing and canning. The late harvest extends the availability of fresh fruit from the garden.

The flowers support a wide range of pollinators. Birds relish the fruit, and the dense, albeit thornless, thicket can provide cover for small wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$37.80

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a sunny location with well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Erect a trellis system to support the vigorous canes.
Space plants 4-5 feet apart in the row.
Set the plant's crown 1-2 inches below the soil line.
Prune the cane back to 6 inches after planting to encourage root growth.
Water deeply and mulch with 3-4 inches of organic material.

Pro Tip

Due to its late ripening, ensure a full sun location to maximize sugar development in the berries before fall.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide about one inch of water per week during the growing season.
Train primocanes to one side of the trellis and floricanes to the other.
Renew mulch each spring to control weeds and conserve moisture.
Harvest berries when they are dull black, not shiny.

Don't

Don't plant in a location with poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot.
Avoid cultivating too deeply around the plants, as this can damage roots.
Don't allow the plant to become a tangled mess; prune and train annually.
Refrain from planting where tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants were recently grown.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Prune
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Reliable fruit producer for home orchardsLate-season harvest extender in an edible gardenThornless barrier or screen on a trellis

Companion Plants

Marigold Nasturtium Garlic Onion Clover (as groundcover)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chester Blackberry questions

What zones can Chester Blackberry grow in?

Chester Blackberry is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Chester Blackberry deer resistant?

Yes — Chester Blackberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Chester Blackberry bloom?

Chester Blackberry typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Chester Blackberry need full sun?

Chester Blackberry does best in full sun (6+ hours).