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Description
Galaxy Blackberry (ORUS 2711-1): The Thornless, Early-Season Superstar for Exceptional Fruit
Discover the 'Galaxy' blackberry (ORUS 2711-1), a groundbreaking thornless, semierect cultivar from Berries Unlimited that promises an abundance of firm, flavorful, and beautiful fruit early in the season. Bred for superior quality and remarkable resilience, 'Galaxy' plants deliver sweet, uniform berries that are notably less 'seedy' or 'crunchy' than other varieties, making them a top choice for both discerning home gardeners and commercial growers. Enjoy generous harvests from healthy, 1-year-old tissue-cultured plants supplied by Berries Unlimited.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cultivar Name | 'Galaxy' (ORUS 2711-1) |
| Origin & Pedigree | Selected in Corvallis, OR, in 2003 from a 2000 cross of ORUS 1393-2-1 ('Illini Hardy' × 'Chester Thornless') and 'Triple Crown'. Same pedigree as 'Eclipse', with the cross made 1 year earlier. |
| Growth Habit | Thornless, semierect blackberry. |
| Ripening Season | Early ripening in the semierect blackberry season; 50% ripe fruit by 5 August (earlier than 'Triple Crown', 'Navaho', 'Chester Thornless'). |
| Fruit Size & Weight | Medium-large fruit, consistently about 50% heavier than 'Navaho' fruit (approx. 6.52g per berry). |
| Fruit Quality | Excellent fruit quality and flavor. More attractive and uniform than 'Navaho', 'Ouachita', and 'Triple Crown' due to greater drupelet fertility. |
| Fruit Texture | Firmer than 'Triple Crown' (similar to 'Chester Thornless'), with tough skin (firmer and much tougher skinned than 'Triple Crown'). Notably less 'crunchy' or 'seedy' than 'Navaho' and 'Ouachita'. |
| Fruit Appearance | Excellent dark color and comparable glossiness. |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, pleasant flavor; rated better than 'Chester Thornless' and 'Ouachita', comparable to other top genotypes. Sweeter than 'Chester Thornless' but not as sweet as 'Navaho' or 'Triple Crown'. |
| Yield | Moderate yielding, with yields greater than 'Navaho' and comparable to 'Eclipse'. Not typically as high-yielding as 'Chester Thornless' or 'Triple Crown'. |
| Winter Hardiness | Excellent winter cold tolerance in USDA Zones 5-9. Proven winter hardy in Arkansas, North Carolina, and British Columbia, though not suitable for colder regions like Massachusetts. |
| Heat & UV Tolerance | Highly tolerant to heat and UV damage, with less damage than 'Ouachita' and 'Chester Thornless'. Fruit successfully held up to sun and heat (up to 43 °C) in California's Central Valley with minimal damage. |
| Storage Potential | Fruit stores well for up to 14 days in a plastic clamshell at 0°C without mold, retaining firmness and skin resistance to abrasion. |
| Market Suitability | Primarily suited for fresh market sales, but can also be machine-harvested for the processed fruit market. |
| Plant Type | 12cm, 1-year-old tissue cultured plant. |
Benefits
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Effortless Harvesting | Thornless canes make picking a pleasure, eliminating scratches and simplifying maintenance for a more enjoyable gardening experience. |
| Extended Berry Season | Early ripening by August 5th means you get to enjoy fresh, delicious blackberries weeks before many other commercial varieties, extending your harvest or market opportunities. |
| Premium Fruit Quality | Produces firm, medium-large fruit with excellent flavor and a tough skin, ensuring beautiful, robust berries perfect for fresh eating, baking, or commercial sales. |
| Superior Eating Experience | Significantly less 'crunchy' or 'seedy' than comparable varieties like 'Navaho' and 'Ouachita', offering a smoother, more enjoyable texture. |
| Reliable Performance in Heat | Exceptional heat and UV tolerance (up to 43°C) protects your harvest from sun scald and damage, guaranteeing consistent fruit quality even in challenging hot climates. |
| Wide Adaptability | Excellent winter hardiness across USDA Zones 5-9 allows 'Galaxy' to thrive in diverse regions, from the Pacific Northwest to the Southern US, ensuring a successful planting. |
| Longer Shelf Life | Fruit can be stored for up to 14 days at 0°C without mold, maintaining firmness and quality, which reduces waste for home growers and offers greater flexibility for market distribution. |
| Visually Appealing Harvest | More attractive and uniform berries with excellent dark color and glossiness, making your fresh fruit stand out, whether on your table or at the market. |
| Ready-to-Grow Plants | Supplied as 1-year-old tissue cultured plants, ensuring healthy, vigorous growth and a strong start in your garden. |
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 1407-12 |
| Cultivar ID | ORUS 2711-1 |
| Plant Type | Blackberry |
| Growth Habit | Thornless, Semi-erect |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 5-9 |
| Typical Ripening Date | 50% ripe fruit by 5 August |
| Average Fruit Weight | 6.52 g (approx. 50% heavier than 'Navaho') |
| Fruit Firmness | Firmer than 'Triple Crown', similar to 'Chester Thornless' |
| Fruit Skin Toughness | Tougher than 'Triple Crown', similar to 'Chester Thornless' |
| Heat Tolerance | Up to 43°C (109°F) with minimal damage |
| Cold Tolerance | Excellent winter hardiness in specified zones |
| Storage Potential | 14 days at 0°C (32°F) without mold |
| Plant Size Supplied | 12cm, 1-year-old tissue cultured plant |
Usage & Fit Guidance
- Planting: These 12cm, 1-year-old tissue cultured plants are ready for transplanting. Ensure adequate spacing for their semierect growth habit.
- Climate Suitability: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. Proven to perform well in areas like Arkansas, North Carolina, and British Columbia, and tolerates heat up to 43°C, making it ideal for warm summer climates like California's Central Valley.
- Harvesting: The thornless canes make hand-harvesting easy and comfortable. The fruit's firmness and tough skin also allow for potential machine harvesting if desired for processed markets.
Ideal For
- Home Berry Gardeners: Those seeking a hassle-free, thornless blackberry with delicious, high-quality fruit and a long picking season.
- Small-Scale Commercial Growers: Individuals or businesses looking for an early-ripening cultivar that offers excellent fruit quality, good storage potential, and heat tolerance for market sales.
- Gardeners in Warmer Climates (Zones 5-9): Especially suitable for regions experiencing high summer temperatures and UV exposure, where other varieties might struggle.
- Fresh Market Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who prioritize firm, attractive, and great-tasting berries for fresh consumption or direct-to-consumer sales.
- Anyone Avoiding Seedy/Crunchy Berries: The 'Galaxy' offers a smoother, less seedy texture compared to other popular varieties.
Policy & Support
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | Berries Unlimited |
| Phone | (479)846-6030 |
| berriesunlimitedusa@gmail.com | |
| Address | 807 Cedar Lane, Prairie Grove, AR 72753, United States of America |
Explore Other Options
- Looking for more blackberry varieties? Browse all blackberries at Berries Unlimited
- Discover other thornless blackberry options: Explore Thornless Blackberry Packages
- View our full selection of Wholesale Berry Plants
1 Review
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Galaxy
I received a beautiful, healthy and vigorous Galaxy baby. No damage, pests or disease. This is consistently a great place to obtain healthy plants. Thank you.
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