Is a Marionberry Thornless?

Climate

• The "Marion" cultivar is a trailing type of blackberry, which means it creates long canes that creep along the ground or along a support system. These are the least cold-hardy of all the blackberry types, and temperatures below 13 degrees Fahrenheit in late winter can damage newly developing buds, reports Oregon State University. Marionberries thrive in the cool, wet climate of the Pacific Northwest and grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.

Characteristics

• Marionberries are large blackberries, and are often described as being both tart and sweet. They are commonly used in jams, desserts and even wine. The bushes put out canes that are trained to grow on long, horizontal trellises. Each plant produces only a few canes, but the canes are quite long -- up to 20 feet -- and each is loaded with berries come harvest time. One acre of marionberry plants produces about six tons of berries. The berries are harvested in mid-July. To avoid damage to the berries, they are usually picked by hand, which means the handlers have to pick them carefully to avoid the prominent thorns.

Culture

• Most blackberries, including the "Marion" cultivar, thrive in areas that have warm, mild days followed by cool nights. Marionberries need consistent watering and grow best in moist but well-draining soil. The berries bloom best in full sunlight, as long as they are in a climate that does not feature very hot, dry heat. Mulching in the winter can help protect the canes in climates colder than USDA zone 7.

Considerations

• Although "Marion" is not a thornless blackberry variety, many home gardeners choose it anyway for the distinctive flavor of the berries. Still, there are other options if you want a variety that is thornless. "Arapaho," which was developed in the early 1990s, is a hardy, thornless blackberry variety that grows upright and produces medium-sized, high-quality berries, according to the Texas A&M System AgriLife Extension. "Natchez," which came out in 2007, is known for its thornless canes, large fruit, and good production.