North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Caren Kirk <quirky@videotron.ca>]

 Hi Sarah,

I'm in Ag Can Zone 4b in Quebec and have a thorned and a thornless 
blackberry (unfortnately the varieties escape me, could be Chester, 
other I think is Perron Noir). Planted around 4 years ago. They were 
growing very well,sending out canes everywhere, wasn't getting much 
fruit though but I am a little neglectful. Decided to dig them up and 
make room for more raspberries (especially wanted rid of the thorned 
variety, it's viscious!). Tried to move the thornless to another location.

Well this summer, the transplanted thornless has established itself 
well, but both varieties grew back where I had tried to remove them. Not 
only that but they were covered in fruit!

We did have a pretty mild winter but I have never seen any damage to the 
canes. However maybe fruit production has been compromised in previous 
years. Or maybe I just need to try and get rid of it each year!

I'm interested to see what happens next summer. But based on my 
experience I would say try a plant (especially if you can spare a 
sheltered spot) and see what you get.  But be patient about the fruit. 
Mine was certainly worth the wait!

By the way, I have a lot of wild blackberry in my woods that fruit. Do 
you have any growing in your area (sorry I don't know whether or not 
it's native to the prairies)? Might give you an idea if it's feasible.

Good Luck

Caren Kirk
St. Jerome QC


On 11/29/2010 7:08 PM, Sarah Kehler Ewing wrote:
> I'm wondering if anyone out there grows or is familiar with the Chester 
> Thornless Blackberry and has any first hand info to share.
>
> The Canadian company, T&  T Seeds is offering it this year and they claim it is 
> zone 2/3 hardy.  The old T&  T Seeds was always a reliable and reputable company, 
> but I'm not so sure if their new management gets that same endorsement from me 
> anymore. Last year they sold me Silver Maples labeled as Sugar Maples and the year 
> before they argued with me (during a phone call to their tree expert) that there was 
> no difference between seedlings and grafts from the famous Edmonton Capilano apricot.
>
> www.ttseeds.com
>
> Sarah
> zone 3
> Edmonton, AB
>
>
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