Raspberry-blackberry hybrid (Rubus × loganobaccus) LOGANBERRY

Loganberry (Rubus × loganobaccus)

The 'Loganberry' is a true historical milestone in the world of small fruits. It is the very first significant cross between a blackberry and a raspberry, which became the genetic basis for many other famous varieties (including the well-known 'Boysenberry' and 'Marionberry'). For commercial growers, it is less attractive today due to more demanding harvesting, but for home gardeners, it represents an exceptionally resilient, productive, and flavor-unique choice that provides fruit continuously throughout the summer.

Loganberry (Rubus × loganobaccus)

For commercial growers, it is less attractive today due to more demanding harvesting, but for home gardeners, it represents an exceptionally resilient, productive, and flavor-unique choice that provides fruit continuously throughout the summer.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High resistance to frost and diseases (very undemanding to grow).
• Long harvesting period (ideal for home gardens for continuous snacking).
• Excellent yield (up to 8 kg per shrub).
• Tiny, soft seeds (great for direct consumption and processing).
• Great for making jams, syrups, pies, and fruit wines.

Origin and Breeding

• Botanical classification: It is an interspecific hybrid (hexaploid) between the North American trailing blackberry 'Aughinbaugh' (Rubus ursinus) and the European red raspberry 'Red Antwerp' (Rubus idaeus).
• Accidental discovery: The variety originated completely by accident in 1881 in Santa Cruz, California. American judge and passionate gardener James Harvey Logan planted blackberries and an old raspberry variety next to each other. The plants bloomed at the same time and pollinated each other. Out of curiosity, Logan planted seeds from these fruits. Out of 50 seedlings, one stood out for its exceptional vitality and size – thus the 'Loganberry' was born.
• Medicine for the British Navy: Due to its exceptionally high vitamin C content, 'Loganberry' juice was mandatorily given to sailors of the British Royal Navy in the early 20th century as a prevention against scurvy (similar to limes previously).

Detailed variety description: Plant

• Vigor: The plant inherited its growth character from the blackberry. It does not form upright canes, but very long, trailing, and flexible shoots capable of growing 1.5 to 2 meters in a single year. The total annual growth of all shoots on one shrub can reach 12 to 15 meters.
• Thorns: Logan's original plant had fine, soft prickles (similar to raspberries). However, in 1933, a thornless mutation known as 'American Thornless' was discovered and stabilized, which is most commonly grown in gardens today.
• Lifespan: It is a very long-lived and vital plant that can fruit abundantly in one place for up to 15 years.

Fruits and Flavor Profile

• Appearance: In shape and size, they resemble a large elongated blackberry, but the color is not black. Upon ripening, they are bright red and acquire a rich, dark wine-purple color at full maturity.
• Texture: A huge advantage compared to regular blackberries is the very tiny and soft seeds, which are hardly noticeable during consumption.
• Taste: It is unique. It combines the aroma of both parents – pleasantly sweet-tart, refreshing, with a delicate wine undertone.

Cultivation properties and agrotechnics

• Environmental requirements and resistance:
  • Resistance: 'Loganberry' is an exceptionally robust plant. It is significantly more resistant to frosts and common fungal diseases than many other modern berries.
  • Location: Tolerates partial shade, but for the sweetest fruits, it requires a sunny location and ordinary, well-drained garden soil.
• Trellising and tying (Necessity):
  • Due to its trailing growth, solid support is required. It is most commonly grown on a trellis or shoots are tied fan-wise to a fence or wall. Without support, the shoots would lie on the ground and fruits would rot.
• Pruning and fruiting:
  • Two-year cycle: Fruits on one-year-old wood (from the previous year). Shoots that have fruited in a given year die back in autumn. It is essential to cut them off close to the ground to prevent diseases and free up space. Young current-year shoots are subsequently tied to the support for next year's crop.
• Harvest and ripening:
  • This is a specific trait of the variety. Fruits ripen very gradually over a long period (approx. 2 months, from mid-summer to autumn). On a single branch, you will therefore find flowers, green, red, and fully ripe purple fruits simultaneously. Additionally, the fruits are often hidden under large leaves.
  • Yield: Is excellent. One mature shrub can produce 7 to 8 kg of fruit per season.

Drawbacks of the variety:

• Gradual ripening and fruits hidden under leaves complicate harvesting (therefore it is not grown commercially on a large scale).
• Fruits must be harvested only when dark purple (if picked red, they are too sour).
• Vigorous, trailing growth requires solid support and regular annual pruning of fruited wood.
• Original form is thorny (it is recommended to buy the thornless variant).