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HJ-7

Date: 2021-11-16, updated: 2023-03-09

Second ultra early-ripening blackberry cultivar, which made for northern coastal California and based on Obsidian variety

Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson 'HJ-7'

Originated from a cross of Obsidian x Eaton

Variety denomination 'HJ-7'

Plants are thorny

Bushes have trailing canes

Fruit weight is 6 g

Berries have a oblong shape

Soluble solids - 12%

Fruiting habit floricane fruiting (summer-bearing)

Flowering on floricanes starts in the third week of March

Ripening date (regular) - fourth week of May

Productivity is 3500 kg from ha

Cold hardiness is low

Country of origin United States

Patent US PP24.298 P3 dated March 10, 2014

Current status - obsolete or rarely used

Recommended replacement - Columbia Sunrise

HJ-7 blackberry is a result of a controlled cross made in 2005 between the Obsidian (female plant) and Eaton (male). HJ-7 is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions of the Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties in California, and was being tested in Southern California and in Europe. HJ-7 has reacted favorably to the northern coastal California, but for maximum crop variety requires consistent soil moisture and good nutrition.
When the HJ-7 is compared to the HJ-6, the following trait differences have been observed:
  1. The fruit production of HJ-6 occurs later in the season than HJ-7;
  2. The overall (total season) production of HJ-6 is greater than that of HJ-7;
  3. The average berry size of HJ-6 (8-10g) is larger than the average berry size of HJ-7 (6-7 g);
  4. The leaf color of HJ-6 is lighter in early June than the leaf color of HJ-7 at the same point in the season;
  5. HJ-6 is considered superior to HJ-7 in side-by-side flavor test results.
This is nearest relative of the HJ-6 variety, so other characteristics is identical.

Useful Growing Guides:

Berry Soil and Nutrient Management – A Guide for Educators and Growers. M. Pritts, C. Heidenreich, L. McDermott, and J. Miller; Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Caneberries Nutrient Management Guide. J. Hart, B. Strik, and H. Rempel; Oregon State University
Blackberry cultivars comparison table (2021). Compiled by myblackberryplants.com
High Tunnel Raspberries and Blackberries. AJ Both, Kathy Demchak, Eric Hanson, Cathy Heidenreich, Greg Loeb, Laura McDermott, Marvin Pritts, and Courtney Weber; Cornell Cooperative Extension
Raspberry and Blackberry Production Guide. L. Bushway, M. Pritts, D. Handley; Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service Cooperative Extension, Ithaca
Growing blackberries in your home garden. B. Strik, E. Dixon, A.J. Detweiler and N. Sanchez; Oregon State University Extension Service