Blackberry (bramble) ‘Thornfree’ (Rubus fruticosus) – hardy soft fruit – 9 cm pot – 35 cm tall

Yes, the thornless blackberry Rubus fruticosus 'Thornfree' is known for its remarkable productivity, comparable to or even greater than that of many thorny varieties. Its vigorous stems bear large clusters of large, very juicy black blackberries, ripening from July to September. The absence of thorns does not compromise its fruit-bearing potential in any way: it is simply a trait selected by breeders that has no bearing on the quantity of fruit. In full sun and decent soil, a mature plant produces several kilos of blackberries per year, ideal for jam, jelly, desserts, or eating fresh straight from the garden.

The Thornfree 'blackberry' is' adaptable to several situations thanks to its vigor and its flexible, thornless stems. Grown as a hedge along a' fence, a' wire fence, or a' south-facing trellis, it makes a very effective green, fruit-bearing screen. As a standalone shrub, it forms a large clump that' will need to be kept in check by pruning. In a large pot (minimum 40 to 50 liters), it produces fruit well on a very sunny balcony or terrace, provided it receives' regular watering. In any case, full sun is essential: it' is the' exposure that guarantees plenty of sweet fruit.

The 'Thornfree' cultivar was specifically selected for its 'complete lack of 'thorns on its stems, which sets it radically apart from wild brambles or many heirloom varieties. The stems are smooth, without prickles, making the handling, pruning, and especially the harvesting of the plant entirely safe, even for children. T'his is precisely why this cultivar 'is a staple in family gardens. However, be aware: young shoots may sometimes have very slight roughness early in the growing season, nothing comparable to the thorns of classic brambles.

The size of the blackberry Rubus fruticosus 'Thornfree' is based on a simple principle: the canes bear fruit in the second year of their life, then no longer produce. After the harvest, generally in autumn, cut flush to the ground all the canes that bore fruit this season: they are recognizable by their darker wood and their remains of clusters. Carefully preserve the young green shoots of the year, tie them up neatly on your support, they will produce the following summer. This annual rotation, easy to carry out, guarantees a well-ventilated, healthy and highly productive plant.

Rubus fruticosus 'Thornfree' is a fully hardy plant, suitable for the entire French territory, including regions with harsh winters. It withstands temperatures below -15 °C without damage, and even lower in sheltered locations. Being deciduous, it loses its leaves in autumn, but its stems withstand repeated frosts and snowfall perfectly. In spring, the regrowth is rapid and vigorous. No special winter protection is required when planted outdoors.

The blackberry Rubus fruticosus 'Thornfree' is an early-bearing fruit plant. A plant established in the spring can produce a few fruits in its first summer if the canes from the nursery are sufficiently developed, but full production begins from the second year. It is from the third year that the plant reaches full maturity and delivers its maximum yield. Growth is rapid: the year's canes easily gain 2 to 3 meters in a single season under good exposure and soil conditions.

Planting several 'Thornfree' plants together is highly recommended for creating a productive fruit hedge or quickly increasing the yield. When planted in a row on a trellis, allow a spacing of 1.5 to 2 meters between each plant to give them the 'room they need to grow vigorously. In a free-form mass planting, allow 2 to 3 meters between plants instead. Several plants 'of the same variety can cross-pollinate each other, but the blackberry is self-fertile: even a single plant produces abundantly.