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Rhubus species X

A new thornless blackberry cultivar called Sweetie Pie was released that is resistant to disease and tastes delicious. This cultivar, tested as MSUS119, came from a cross between Navaho and MSUS29. MSUS29 is a seedling from a cross of [Humble x Brazos] x Navaho. Sweetie Pie was selected at Poplarville, Mississippi in 1996. It was subsequently propagated and tested at McNeill, Mississippi, as well as in trial plantings in Louisiana and Arkansas. Sweetie Pie grows vigorously and produces numerous floricanes, which are thornless and have a trailing growth habit. Sweetie Pie is resistant to Rosette disease (double blossom), one of the most limiting factors in growing blackberries in the southern United States. It's berries are medium size, glossy, black, and with have excellent flavor due to high soluble solids content. Sweetie Pie lacks sufficient firmness for use as commercial cultivar, but its outstanding flavor and high sugar content make it a desirable cultivar for homeowners and U-Pick operations. Sweetie Pie ripens mid-late season (mid June to late July in South MS) and is an excellent choice for a southern variety. Sweetie Pie grows well in raised beds having a pH of 6 to 7, that are amended with organic matter. Space 5'apart in 5' wide beds. Zones 6-8