Blackberry Columbia Star (Columbia Star)

Columbia Star – blackberry hybrid, bred in 2008 by C. Finn, an employee of the University of Oregon, by crossing seedling NZ 9629-1 (New Zealand) and form Orus 1350-2. The Lincoln Logan variety was used as a thornless donor.

Until 2012, samples of the new blackberry passed state tests in the United States. In 2014-15 Columbia Star was registered and received a patent, after which the distribution of its seedlings on the agricultural market began.

The first seedlings of Columbia Star blackberry were brought to Russia not so long ago. This latest variety has not yet passed the necessary tests of the climate and conditions of different regions, so it is too early to talk about the exact indicators of its productivity in Russian realities. Therefore, in the description of the variety, we will be guided by the test results announced by the manufacturer and the US Department of Agriculture.

Variety advantages: Absence of thorns, self-pollination, extended fruiting, resistance to drought, diseases and pests, the possibility of mechanized harvesting, high tasting berries, good transportability and keeping quality. Weaknesses – average yield and the need for shelter for the winter.

Characteristics of the variety

Shrub high, without thorns, with a well-developed root system. Scourges reach 4-5 m in length. If they are cut and tied to a support, the bush will grow as upright, if the shoots are not touched – will creep like a sundew. The foliage is light green, large. The fruits are formed on the shoots of the previous season. The flowers are white from  3 cm in diameter, collected in inflorescences of 3-4 pcs.

Fruitscone-shaped, large. The average diameter of the berry – 1.9 cm, length –  up to 3.8 cm, weight 7.8 gr., maximum  weight – 16-18 gr. The color of ripe fruits outside is brown-burgundy, in the context of – reddish. Pulp – tender, juicy, fragrant, with little perceptible drupes. Taste – dessert, with raspberry and cherry hues. Tasting score high – 4.7 points out of 5.

The yield of Columbia Star blackberry is 7.5 kg per bush, 16.7 t/ha. In the south, the variety blooms in mid-late June; in the middle lane – a little later. The term of ripening of berries – mid-July-August. Fruiting is extended, up to 2 months.

Immunityto typical diseases and pests of the crop is high, but can adopt them from the "sick" raspberries or blackberries growing next door. Spring preventive treatment of bushes will reduce the risk of infection.

Destination. Thanks to the excellent taste of blackberries  Columbia Star  unusual jams, wine, jelly, jams with a light aroma of cherries and raspberries are obtained. High transportability, fruit keeping quality, as well as the possibility of mechanized harvesting, make "Columbia Star" commercially viable variety suitable for commercial cultivation.

Growing conditions

Columbia Star is highly drought tolerant. Regular watering is necessary only for young plantings.

The situation is more complicated with the winter and frost resistance of the variety. At temperatures below – 14⁰С and sudden changes in temperature without shelter, the bushes may die. It is best to grow blackberries under temporary shelters until the threat of a return frost has passed. For the winter, the plant must be additionally insulated.

For the landing of the "Columbia Star" choose slightly acidic soil, loose loam enriched with organic fertilizers. Timely sanitary pruning of bushes is recommended so that they do not turn into thickets.

Preparations