Jewel is the standout of the several varieties I've tried. Mostly just because it's quite a bit bigger than others.

I suspect any complaints about Jewel are really about black raspberries in general and their large seeds.

Of the four varieties I have (Blackhawk, Cumberland,Jewel, and an unknown), I would also say Jewel. If you're planting bare root, be prepared to wait quite a while for them to break dormancy. They don't jump to life like the reds seem to.

Brook

Thank you. I'll let my mom know Jewel should be the one to try :)

The thornless blackberries I'm familiar with that do well in z5, like Chester tend to be pretty tart, although palatable when dead ripe. The real sweet ones like Navajo and Triple Crown tend to freeze out in temps. much below 0 F. If you want sweet ones you can spread the canes on the ground and cover with leaves in fall so they survive winter.