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Chester Thornless Blackberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry
Rubus fruticosa Chester (Thornless)
Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
(new stock expected: fall of 2026)
Chester Thornless Blackberry is a self-pollinating fruit-bearing shrub. In mid-summer, the Chester Thornless Blackberry produces large, sweet-tasting, heart-shaped blackberries that are perfect for fresh eating. It is a semi-erect blackberry plant that requires little support from a trellis to keep its fruit off the ground. Don't forget to protect your berries. The birds love this shrub almost as much as you will.
Chester Thornless Blackberries are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth.
Sebastien Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety that produces medium-sized, red gooseberries. When the berries are fully ripe they are quite sweet and great for fresh eating. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge. For baking and preserves, they are often picked when under-ripe when they are firm and tart. The general harvest period is anywhere from July to September.
Sebastien Gooseberry is a Canadian variety that was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station in Ottawa.
Gooseberries are self-pollinating but planting with another variety will increase yields.
Chester Thornless Blackberry Quick Facts
Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts
Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans