- Released by the USDA-ARS and Southern Illinois University in 1985
- SIUS 47 x Thornfree
- Tested as SIUS 68-6-17
Chester Blackberry is a thornless, floricane fruiting, semi-erect blackberry suited for the fresh market. Fruit size is 5-6 g/berry. Flavor is good at best, as soluble solids are generally lower than that of many other cultivars. Yield is extremely high, and coupled with its excellent fruit storage and handling, Chester has become a popular cultivar for commercial growers. It ripens late in the season. Chilling requirement is estimated to be at least 900 hours and is quite cold hardy.
