The Best Blackberry to Grow in New York State

Erect Thorny Blackberries

• Developed at Cornell University in New York State and cold hardy to USDA zone 4, the thorny, erect variety "Darrow" (Rubus fruticosus "Darrow") is one of the best, if not the best, for New York. The fruit is large and sweet, ripening late in summer. Lateral or side shoots produce additional fruit into the early fall. Another good choice is the extremely hardy, erect variety developed at the University of Illinois, "Illini Hardy" (Rubus fruticosus "Illini Hardy"), also a late season bearer that thrives in USDA zones 4 through 6. The fruit is somewhat smaller than "Darrow," but the plant has good resistance to the fungal disease phytophthora.

Semi-Erect Varieties

• Two semi-erect thorny blackberries that do well in New York State are "Prime Jan" (Rubus fruticosus "Prime Jan") and "Prime Jim" (Rubus fruticosus "Prime Jim"), reported to bear fruit in early fall in Geneva, New York, which is in USDA zone 5. While the fruit is too fragile for shipping, they are of good quality for home gardens. The two varieties are "primocane" types, meaning that they bear fruit on first year canes or stems. The blackberries are not as large as "Darrow" and the plants are only semi-erect and need to be tied to trellises for best fruit production and ease of harvesting.

Thornless Hardy Blackberry

• Though perhaps not quite as stellar as "Darrow," "Chester" (Rubus fruticosus "Chester") has the advantage of being thornless, certainly a plus from the blackberry picker's perspective. It is semi-erect, growing 3 to 5 feet tall, and though it can grow as a free-standing plant, it will thrive best if staked or trellised. "Chester" flowers in mid spring, bearing five-petaled pink flowers reminiscent of single roses, followed by medium size fruit. In terms of its suitability for New York State, "Chester" is probably the hardiest of the thornless blackberries, thriving in USDA zones 5 through 8.

Blackberry Culture

• Growing blackberries successfully in New York State requires slightly acid soil, which is available in many areas, plus a sunny site. Use raised beds in areas with compacted clay soil. Space plants at least 5 feet apart to allow for good air circulation, which will discourage the fungal diseases to which blackberries are susceptible. In late winter, thin canes to 4 or 5 strong canes per plant and tie them to supports. Water plants during dry spells. After fruiting, cut fruiting canes back to the ground.