Blackberry varieties without thorns

The popularity of blackberries has been gaining significant popularity in recent years. It is used by summer residents and gardeners on equal terms with the well-known raspberry. Growing blackberries is becoming a more simplified activity thanks to the efforts of breeders: the plant has acquired a large number of varieties without thorns, the predominantly sour taste of the berries changed to a sweeter and more aromatic one, which most connoisseurs of this berry liked. Blackberries are thornless, varieties - this is the topic that we will consider below.

Our article will help you choose a blackberry variety that does not have thorns. And also endowed with all those features that will greatly facilitate the process of growing on your site. Consider those moments that are very important for the characteristics of the region of residence.

Thornless blackberries, varieties: advantages

What is the peculiarity of the variety without thorns relative to congeners with thorns. If we talk about the convenience of care and collection, then these are the parameters that every summer resident and gardener unconditionally considers when deciding on the choice of a crop variety: it is very convenient to apply fertilizers, easy pruning, no injury, there are no difficulties in tying a plant, it is easy to harvest and not get hurt sharp thorns. Whatever one may say, the absence of thorns on the plant, in all respects, facilitates the cultivation of blackberries.

The best thornless blackberries for your region

Over the past half century with a ponytail on the territory of different countries, experts have bred a huge number of special varieties of culture that are not endowed with thorns. Of course, cultivation tests have been carried out for a long period in order to select the most popular, convenient and effective ones. Summer residents of Russia have identified a small list, which they have given their preference to. Below we will consider the thornless varieties of blackberries that have gained great popularity.

Besshipless blackberry of Apache variety

Apaches - this plant was bred in Arkansas at the end of the 20th century. The variety is endowed with strong, straight stems, without thorns. The leaves are green in color with a slightly corrugated structure. Large fruits of black, slightly shiny, shade, possessing very tasty, sweet, slightly sour taste and excellent aroma. In terms of shape, the berries are similar to a conical oval. Subject to all the rules of planting and growing, it is possible to receive stably up to 6 kilograms of berries from each bush.

This variety is recommended by gardeners in the direction of industrial cultivation, it takes root well and bears fruit in summer cottages. The Apache hybrid does not tend to reduce fruit weight at the end of the fruiting period. The weight remains stable, up to 9 grams, from the moment the first berries are formed until the very last fruit is fully ripe.

The variety differs in the duration of the collection of berries: at the first stage, ripe fruits are picked by the end of July, the last stage of collection ends in the last days of August.

Another positive feature of the Apache variety is emphasized - the excellent tolerance of cold winters. The plant is able to survive temperatures down to -20 degrees without any consequences for further development. The shrub is cultivated, so it still needs a certain type of shelter, even a minor adaptation.

An important point! During the growing season, if the blackberry plantations are located in a shaded area, this variety completely loses its fruit sweetness. More acid is added in the taste, that is, the quality of the taste characteristics decreases. Accordingly, the bushes must be placed in a sunny area, but slightly shaded with buildings or tall trees, to reduce the activity of direct sunlight and create dry soil

Besshipless blackberry of the Arapaho variety

Arapaho is a bred hybrid of American origin, originally from Arkansas. Bred by breeders at the end of the 20th century. The bushes are endowed with an increased splendor of the crown, a sufficiently powerful horizontal shoot, also does not have thorns, and reaches 2.5 meters in height. The variety is relatively early ripening, therefore it has gained additional popularity not only in its homeland. It is also possible to grow such a blackberry without any garter and supporting structures.

The fruits are of medium size, in some cases even large enough, painted in black shiny color. Formation of berries - a blunt short cone. Perfectly removable from twigs, dry tearing off. Taste characteristic: rather sweet, dessert purpose, with a slight sourness, berries, weighing up to 8 grams.

The dense consistency of the fruit allows it to withstand short-term transportation. The fruits ripen very early, in the last days of June. Compressed berry picking period, no more than three weeks, while other varieties can be harvested within 5 weeks. On lateral runs, mechanical ripening of fruits begins, this fact contributes to easy harvesting.

Increased productivity, up to 10 kilograms of berries from each bush. Frost resistance at an altitude, up to -24 degrees will survive without harming its development and health. It differs in that there is no need to create additional insulation. It is only necessary to remove all the lashes from the trellises adapted for support, carefully place them on the ground and be sure to press down with something, so that the shoots do not straighten. This must be done before the onset of cold weather.

It will not be difficult to propagate this sotr, since such a hybrid can easily take root with the help of apical layers, which must be pinned to the soil.

Black Sateen Besshipless BlackBerry

Another name for the variety is Black Atlas. The variety was introduced by breeders in the 70s of the 20th century. Bushes have creeping ability, but only on a partial basis. The shoots are very solid, thickened, there are no thorns, they reach a height of up to 1.5 meters, after which they tend to the ground. If you do not carry out additional, formative pruning, the shrub grows up to 450 centimeters. Growing advice: Regularly carry out formative pruning and be sure to tie the plant to the trellis.

The berries are rounded, weighing up to 8 grams, formed by elongated fruit inflorescences, with the presence of a huge number of berries. Fruits tolerate any kind of transportation negatively. With full compliance with the rules of agricultural technology and recommendations for cultivation, each gardener can harvest up to 17 kilograms of blackberries from each bush.

As it ripens, without waiting for mass harvest, the fruits must be harvested. Since Black Satin has a peculiarity of overripening and subsequent falling of berries. The main harvest begins in the last days of July. It all depends on the weather conditions. In case of bad weather, the collection is postponed to the beginning of August.

Blackberry variety without thorns - Waldo

Waldo is an early ripening variety, climbing direction, bred at the end of the 20th century. The homeland of this variety is Arizona. Thornless shrub, creeping branches, for the growing season must be adapted to the trellis. This variety is rather undersized, and the lashes of the plant do not exceed 200 centimeters.

The fruits are of medium density, but this is not a big problem for short distances.The size of the fruit is not very large, only up to 6 grams. The berries are of a uniform color, mostly black with shine. Formation round-oval, rather sweet taste with a slight originality-caramel aftertaste.

Mechanical maturation occurs at the end of July. It all depends on the growing area and the corresponding climate, the period of berry picking shifts slightly in terms, back or forth, up to several weeks. For a comfortable wintering, an obligatory shelter.

Variety Chief Joseph

A hybrid of perennial origin, endowed with very large fruits, it is considered one of the most productive varieties of blackberries. Shoots without thorns, powerful enough, strong, capable of growing up to 300 centimeters. They have a tendency to lodging, along the entire length they are covered with large green leaves.

At the time of flowering, the bush is covered with large, white inflorescences from which fruits of a majestic size, almost 25 grams, of a glossy black shade form and grow, are collected in a large brush. The ripening time comes closer to the end of summer, more specifically the end of July-beginning of August.

If we talk about the varietal characteristics of the fruits, we can emphasize the yield: up to 35 kilograms from each bush, as stated by the co-authors of the bred variety. Taste qualities are balanced, that is, the sweetish taste of the berries is separated by a slight sourness. The period from the appearance of the first berries to mechanical ripening is almost 8 weeks.

They are able to withstand even long-distance transportation, due to the presence of an excellent fruit density. But there is a slight disadvantage for the variety, this species is for especially patient gardeners, since they can only harvest the first crop in the third growing season.

Doyle Besshipless Blackberry

Doyle is another American variety. Abundant enough for the number of upright branches, very powerful and thickened, naturally without thorns. If you do not carry out formative pruning, then the shoots are stretched up to 4 meters in height.

Mass ripening occurs in the last days of July. The shrub is covered with black and red berries, by weight no more than 8 grams. The ripeness of the fruit is determined by the presence of an anthracite color of the pulp and the entire skin of the berry. Another sign of full ripening is the pronounced aroma of blackberries. The fruit tastes sweet, with a slight acidity quality. The fruits ripen gradually, extending up to 2 months, practically until mid-September.

The plant is able to safely survive frosts down to -20 degrees, but only if a shelter is built. The shrub is undersized, but forms a lot of fruiting brushes, a little more than 200, and almost 20 small berries are formed on each bunch.

The bush has excellent immunity to various diseases in which the causative agent is a fungus. Also, bacteria are not capable of doing much harm. Increased resistance to transport due to good fruit density.

Besshorn blackberry of the Columbia Star variety

Columbia Star is an American hybrid, brought to Russia only at the beginning of the 21st century. The variety was bred by scientists from the state of Oregon. The shrub begins to bear fruit early enough, but stretches up to 5 weeks in duration. The creeping shrub is endowed with long shoots, up to 5 meters. Smooth-bore, a mandatory garter is required when the shoots reach a growth of 170 centimeters.

The fruits have a pronounced aroma, the color of the flowers during the flowering period is pale pink, large in size. Ripe berry has an elongated shape, blue-black color, slight gloss in shades. Good fruit density, sweet and sour taste, medium size, up to 15 grams. Due to the extended ripening process, the harvest takes place up to 7 times per season. The fruit is very easily separable from the mother bush, it is not damaged when it is torn off.

The variety is self-pollinated, quite fruitful, it is possible to collect up to 15 kilograms from a five-year-old bush. The variety is very afraid of a drop in temperature, below -15, already a criterion for a comfortable winter.

Loch Tay Besshipless Blackberry

Loch Tay is a large-fruited variety, bred by Scottish breeders, the complete absence of thorns. Powerful, erect bush, has green shoots 2 centimeters in diameter. Due to its power, it does not need additional tying to the supports. Calmly calmly refers to the prolonged hot temperature, creating periodic droughts. Possesses excellent taste and increased fruiting.

Berries are black, glossy, formed oval-conically, the flesh is the same color as the skin. Inflorescences are formed only on the tops and only on the shoots of two years of age. Brush forms no more than 5 berries, oval shape. But maturation does not occur simultaneously. The crop is perfectly transported, placed in small containers, up to 0.5 kilograms. In a small container, the fruits do not lose their appearance, and upon delivery, they retain their presentation and related qualities.

The berry taste is very rich, sweet, juicy, has a very pleasant aroma. Harvesting begins on the 20th of June and lasts until the last days of July.

An important point! The consistency of the fruits is quite dense, it is thanks to this feature that the harvest can be harvested mechanically, not only by hand, which is very convenient for industrial cultivation.

Blackberry without thorns variety Loch Ness

Loch Ness is a variety of Scottish origin, bred at the end of the 20th century. Endowed with fruits of large size, slightly elongated, black, with a slight sheen, color. The palatability is excellent, perfectly removable from the branches, while maintaining its shape and does not wrinkle. The height of the bush depends on the immediate place of cultivation, almost 5 meters can grow, with good care and favorable conditions. A mandatory garter to the supports is required.

The variety has white and pink inflorescences. The main time for flowering is May-June. Fruiting occurs in August-September. The bush is able to set fruits only on a plant of at least 2 years of age, and the plant needs a comfortable wintering. Therefore, insulation is necessary.

The abundance of the crop is increased, almost 10 kilograms can be harvested from one bush, it is popular with gardeners.

Thornless Blackberry Variety - Navajo

Navajo belongs to the original breeding of the thornless blackberry varieties. The homeland of the plant is Arkansass, bred in 1987. The thornless shrub has solid, thickened, vertical shoots of a dark green color. Despite the thoroughness, the plant needs a garter at the time of fruiting, since it can break from the severity of the fruit. The standard garter is carried out when the bush reaches a height of 160 centimeters.

An important point! In order to avoid large-scale fractures of the plant from the severity of the berries, regulation can be carried out by cutting off part of the fruiting shoots. It is recommended to leave no more than 10 main, more developed branches.

A large number of unnecessary shoots weakens the main plant, taking away some of the food and moisture. When weakened, the bushes begin to form small fruits, while the taste changes. The quality of winter hardiness also decreases.

The variety has a relatively small size of fruits, each weighing up to 7 grams at full maturity. Formation of blunt-conical berries. The size of the fruits is small, but the yield is able to be replenished due to the ability of the bushes to form up to 500 fruits per bush.

The berries are colored in dark blue tones, the taste is balanced, sweet and sour, medium-sized seeds. The period of full ripening of the fruits occurs at the end of August and mid-September. The peculiarity of berries is excellent storage at relatively low temperatures, up to +4 can be stored for up to one week.

Good immunity to diseases and pests, it does not have special requirements in care, it tolerates temperatures up to -18 degrees calmly, but in regions where temperatures are lower, the Navajo variety needs additional insulation.

Studless Natchez Blackberry

The variety has gained great popularity among summer residents and gardeners for the presence of large enough fruits, almost 22 grams each berry. Fruits are painted in black with a shiny shade. Huge fruits are formed in the form of an elongated cylinder. Taste qualities of the dessert direction, that is, a moderately sweet taste and a slight sour aftertaste, a slight astringency. The length of the berries reaches the size of a matchbox, almost 6 centimeters.

The blackberry variety belongs to the very early ripening varieties, which occurs in the first half of July. This is about a month earlier, in contrast to their congeners. The fruit cluster can be formed both on the lateral and main tops of the bush, forms up to 30 berries.

The originality of the fruits is that they are very firmly attached to the hands, even when fully ripe, so shedding is not characteristic of them, they stay on the bush for a long period. But this quality does not interfere with picking fruits and not crushing them. The plant belongs to creeping varieties, the shoots of which grow up to 4 meters without the necessary pruning. This makes harvesting difficult.

Thornless Oregon Thornless Blackberry

Medium ripening variety, the bulk of the harvest is harvested in mid-July. Semi-creeping shoots of the shrub form fruit lashes up to 6 meters in height. At a height of 150 centimeters, a plant of vertical growth begins to be tied to a support, since they begin to press against the ground from gravity, which entails a number of negative consequences. Use a high trellis.

The berries are collected in a cluster, in large enough quantities, up to almost 200 small fruits. The fruits of this blackberry variety are painted in a shiny black color and have a rounded shape, weighing up to 10 grams and prevailing dessert notes in taste. The abundance of the harvest exceeds expectations - up to 20 kilograms from each bush. Very high ability to withstand frost, the bush can withstand up to -29 degrees.

Osage variety

The originality of the variety is in the distinctive sweetness of the berries among the majority of representatives of this variety. This feature is more able to compensate for the inconvenience when picking berries of medium size and weight, up to 7 grams each. Fruits are black, round in shape, the yield is relatively low, no more than 3 kilograms per bush.

The plant is thornless, flowering begins in mid-May, pink inflorescences are complemented by a purple hue. The compressed ripening period does not exceed 40 days. Harvesting begins in early July.
Erect bush, shoots grow up to 170 centimeters.

This variety has good immunity to the activity of the sun's rays, but practically cannot withstand high temperatures. Already at -13 degrees, the top of the plant will begin to freeze. Therefore, for this type of blackberry, it is necessary to create a shelter for the winter.

Ouachita variety

A hybrid variety, bred by American breeders at the beginning of the 21st century, the formation of the bush occurs in an upright form. Powerful, strong branches grow up to 3 meters, quite elastic, the complete absence of thorns.

For the winter, the plant is pressed by the branches to the ground, thanks to its flexibility, the shoot without fractures is able to curl up and remain in this position under cover throughout the winter. Shelter is necessary for the plant, since it is not resistant to severe frosts. The ceiling of cold tolerance is up to -17 degrees.

But the yield of the variety is not bad, in a good, favorable season, you can collect up to 30 kg from each bush. Berries are black, good taste, the weight of the fruit is small, up to 6 grams.

Almost simultaneous ripening, just over a month, which affects the easier harvesting. Based on the experience of many gardeners, we can say that the plant is really unpretentious in care, excellent immunity to diseases such as rust, anthracnose. This was confirmed by the tests of breeders.

Tireless blackberry of the Polar variety

Representatives of this variety are endowed with very powerful branches, completely without thorns, vertical arrangement, the length of the shoots does not exceed 270 cm. A variety of early ripening, begins in the second decade of July. The fruiting process lasts almost a month and a half, but the abundance of the harvest is relatively small. No more than 8 kilograms can be removed from each bush.

Berries are oval and black. Slightly glossy skin. Flowering begins early, but the plant is completely ready for light spring frosts, and for winter frosts, down to -24 degrees, the bushes are completely ready, even without additional shelter, just laid in the soil.
The berries are quite weighty, up to 11 grams, which is welcomed by gardeners, and the taste is excellent.

Variety Smutsem

It is considered one of the oldest of this culture, bred more than 60 years ago, but still enjoys the highest popularity and takes one of the first lines in various competitions and in the list of the earliest varieties of blackberries without thorns.

The plant is capable of producing a bountiful harvest, but at a more mature age, at least 5 years. Upon reaching such maturity, up to 25 kilograms of distinctively sweet, tasty, black and purple berries can be harvested from the bush.

The density of the pulp in the fruit is of high quality, the length of the berry is up to 4 cm, each weight is up to 10 grams. Fruit weight and size depends entirely on the quality of plant care, as well as on the age of the bush. The plant belongs to the creeping species of blackberry, the twigs begin to slope to the ground, growing up to 3 meters. For this variety, support is needed, it is designed for a very heavy weight of the bush, more precisely, the abundance of the harvest.

The representative of this variety is capricious to the quality of the soil; increased fertility is required. Mandatory shelter for the winter, immunity to cold is not developed.

Thornfree Tearless Blackberry

The variety was bred by breeders of America, Maryland, in the second half of the 20th century. The shoots of the plant are green, have a creeping shape, the complete absence of thorns, grow up to 5 meters in length. The leaf plates are five-lobed, predominantly green in a dark shade.

For this variety, it is recommended to cut off the top of the shoot, about 5 centimeters. This procedure provokes violent branching. The bush is very densely covered with large berries, fruiting begins in mid-July. The bush continues to bear fruit for a month.

The berries are endowed with a not pronounced aroma, freshish in taste. There is a lack of sweetness and sourness. By weight, the fruits do not exceed 6 grams, the shape of the fruit is conical, slightly elongated. The berry retains its shape poorly at mechanical maturity, easily wrinkles, juice appears.

In this variety, fruits are harvested before full ripening. Very weak cold resistance. Mandatory shelter for wintering is required.

Blackberry variety besshipnoy - Hull Thornless

Hull Thornless is a fast-growing blackberry hybrid. Completely free from thorns, growing, thickened branches. In terms of varietal characteristics, this representative is similar to the Thornfrey variety, but there is a difference in the mass of the fruits that form this species, they are much larger, almost 15 grams.

Recommended for breeding in more southern climates. It is in those regions that the five-meter branches do not need to be detached from the trellis, without the installation of which the plant is not able to form properly and function well. Very low frost resistance - this is another reason to grow in southern climates.

The bush is demanding in care, in the composition of the soil. An additional introduction of organic matter by the root method is required. The increased yield makes the hybrid very popular in the growing region.

Chester Thornless variety

Bred by breeders of America, obtained by crossing, a fairly large size of fruits, painted in black, slightly blue, prevails. The berry has a sweet taste with a slight sourness.

The fruit is formed by an elongated cone, weighing up to 10 grams. The variety is late ripening, full maturity occurs in early August.

Interesting fact! The plant got its name for the presence of sharp needles, in comparison with a hedgehog.

The shrub of the hybrid is erect, but partially, under the enormous weight of the fruits, it is able to lean towards the soil. Decent frost resistance, however, there are recommendations for sheltering the plant for the winter, first lower it from the trellis.
Thickened and smooth-bore branches, complete absence of thorns, grow up to 300 centimeters. Medium taste.

Chachanska Bestrna - a variety of thornless blackberry

This variety differs from its relatives in origin, bred by breeders of Serbia. The difference lies in the extended period of mechanical maturation. The main ripening time is the beginning of July - it stretches until mid-September.

There are no thorns on the shrub, branches grow up to 4 meters, but it is recommended to prune when they reach 200 centimeters. The cutting process is able to develop lateral shoots more actively. Hence, the yield increases.

Medium frost resistance, shelter for the winter is required. In shape, the fruit is elongated, black, with a blue tint. By weight up to 15 grams, they are collected in large quantities in a brush located at the apex. Sweetish taste with a slight sourness. Low yield, no more than 6 kilograms per bush. Tall shrubs need support.

Cherokee variety

A hybrid of American origin, capable of self-pollinating, endowed with small fruits (up to 5 grams), colored black, rounded in shape. Sweet with a slight sourness. Mature bushes bring up to 15 kilograms of harvest from each plant. It grows up to 1.5 meters, belongs to the undersized varieties.

Strong branches grow vertically, which facilitates plant growth without being tied to a support.
The Cherokee needs winter shelter, especially in the area of ​​the root system, through a thickened layer of mulch, branches can be protected with agrofibre.

Varieties of thornless blackberry - description according to varieties

Blackberry varieties can differ from each other in a number of parameters and features. For example, resistance to cold weather, the quality and quantity of the crop, the quality and size of the fruit, the time of full ripening of the crop. When choosing, gardeners rely on all the parameters that are most important to them, considers the varietal characteristics of each type of blackberry, depending on the region of residence.

Ripening terms

The term of full maturity allows all varieties to be divided into subspecies. Blackberries of early and mid-early ripening - the main season is mid-July. Mid-season representatives - harvesting begins in late July-early August. Later varieties ripen in August-September.

Frost resistance

The most optimal range of climatic conditions for blackberries is up to -24 degrees. There are a number of varieties with increased cold resistance - up to -30 degrees. What does “medium cold hardiness” mean? This is when the plant is able to tolerate at least -17 degrees.

The presence of large fruits

There are varieties of blackberries, with fairly large fruits, such as Natchez. This variety has fruits up to 6 cm in size, up to 22 grams in weight. Very large fruits include sizes up to 15 grams.

The sweetest thornless blackberry, varieties

There are varieties with a certain amount of sweetness in taste, but there is a slight sourness. And there are those varieties that are awarded a very sweet taste of the fruit, there is practically no acid, for example Osage.This hybrid leader is ahead of all congeners in berry flavor characteristics. But there is a minus in the variety, if you prefer to collect large yields - it has a weak yield and small fruit size.

Increased shade tolerance

In theory and practically, any variety grows and develops well in shaded areas. But when choosing a place for planting blackberries, it is necessary to take into account that growing in the shade, the plant reduces its taste. This is a consequence of the lack of sunlight. Of course, this fact will not affect the amount of the crop, but the taste becomes the most sour, with a tart aftertaste.

Varieties of remontant blackberry besshorny

Breeding with varieties contributed to the emergence of not only frost-resistant and large-fruited varieties. But there were also remontant varieties of blackberries, they have the ability to bear fruit twice per season. The first stage of the harvest does not differ in abundance, but much earlier than that of fellow tribesmen. The main stage of fruiting will come a month after the first.

Updated and promising varieties

Many thornless varieties have a small age after breeding, only 15 years old. For example, Ouachita and Columbia Star. And to this day, these varieties are subject to research by breeders and specialists in the field of blackberry cultivation.

In practice, the tests are carried out by ordinary gardeners. The gardener reveals all the disadvantages and advantages of the variety in practice, leaving his opinion and choosing to leave the variety for further use or try another, more suitable in all respects.

Besshipnaya blackberry: rules for selecting a variety, taking into account the peculiarities of the climate of the region of residence

Arguing about the rules for choosing a variety for growing on your plots, it is worth considering all the features that characterize the variety, its adaptability to a certain growing region. For example, it will be very difficult to grow more thermophilic plants in the Siberian expanses and on the territory of the Far North. There, the plant requires careful shelter, which takes a lot of time and effort.

For regions with severe frosts down to -30 degrees, the following varieties are recommended: Loch Ness, Thornless, Arapaho. For more southern territories, you can pick up varieties with cold resistance up to -17 degrees.

Agrotechnical features

Agrotechnology of planting and cultivation, compliance with its rules is a very important point in the cultivation of blackberries. All thornless hybrids are wild-growing varieties of blackberries that are naturally non-prickly.

The shoot grows up to several hundred centimeters, a mandatory garter to the supports is required. A useful, perennial shrub develops in width and height. Hence the rule arises - to observe the distance between the bushes and in the aisles, always sunny places, wet, but without stagnant water.

The composition of the soil is sufficiently rich in fertility. The acidity should be normal or slightly increased.

Blackberries themselves do not cause trouble in growing, since they have no special requirements. But varieties that are not significantly adapted to frost need reinforced insulation, otherwise the bushes will freeze out.

During spring, you need to prune, thus freeing the crown of the bush from dried leaves and shoots. Fruiting occurs on the shoots of the last season. The tip of the shoot is slightly shortened, by about 15 centimeters. On such branches, the fruiting of the current year begins. This technique of agricultural technology allows the formation of a larger number of inflorescences, therefore, the yield will increase.

A wonderful decoration for any suburban area and garden, magnificent, lush flowers, white or pink. To get a small delicacy, even one bush is enough for a summer resident, but the correct variety is chosen.