Blackberry plant named ‘Celestial’

Abstract

A new and distinct blackberry cultivar that originated from seed produced from a cross between the thornless semi-erect maternal blackberry plant ‘Eclipse’ and the thorny erect paternal blackberry plant ORUS 3681-1, the latter of which introduces genetics from cultivated and wild Rubus germplasm from the southeastern U.S. This new blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by its high plant vigor, exceptional yields of small-to-medium sized berries with high gloss, low defects, excellent flavor and fruit quality, and high heat tolerance. The berries are well suited for fresh eating, with good sweetness, aroma, and gloss when picked firm. The new and distinct blackberry variety has fruit that are borne on vigorous canes which contain the ‘Merton Thornless’ source of genetic thornlessness.

We claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct cultivar of thornless blackberry plant named ‘CELESTIAL’, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its plant vigor, heat tolerance, and exceptional yields of medium sized berries with good fresh eating quality, flavor, gloss, and low defects.