Bred in Maryland, USA, Chester’s combination of high quality fruit, excellent flavour and a late season has resulted in its becoming one of the most popular varieties in the UK. Shiny black fruit of 5-6 grams with an attractive fruity flavour and superb shelf life. The berries do not soften or lose their attractive shine under hot conditions. The picking season begins in mid-August in the UK and normally continues until the first frosts. The yield potential of this variety is unequalled. The variety is extremely vigorous producing semi-erect thornless canes. Chester thrives on heavy, non-irrigated soils. Disease resistance is excellent with no evidence of Downy Mildew or Purple Blotch.
Eventual height: 1½m (5ft). Eventual spread: 2m (7ft). Cropping season: Mid August-first frosts. Self fertile.
*Bareroot – November to March is the ideal time to plant bare-root plants. These are plants that have been grown in open ground, then dug up for dispatch and planting during the dormant season. They are called ‘bare-root’ plants as they are supplied with no soil around their roots. They will come packed in damp compost to stop the roots drying out and should be planted as soon as possible. As long as the compost is kept damp planting can be delayed for a few weeks if necessary.