Talisman

Talisman

ARS-USDA; New Jersey

HARDINESS ZONE

South 7A

North 5B

1. Highbush type cultivar.  The new variety has several attributes for growers in north temperate climates; reliable productivity, excellent yields, late – midseason ripening, medium to large fruits with uniform size, and ease of fruit removal.
2. The plants have a rounded growth habit with a narrow crown.  The stocky growth is high in vigor with sufficient branching growing a well – balanced bush.
3. Ripening is considered late – mid season with fruits ripening uniformly.  
4. Yields have been consistent averaging 12 pounds per plant, actually higher than other cultivars ripening in the same season.
5. Fruit size is large to medium size, averaging 2.0 grams per berry comparable the Duke variety 
6. The berries are firm and are superior to long term storage quality.   The clusters of fruits are compact and well exposed on the branches for ease of harvest.  The berries have a mild sweet flavor, little to no acidity.
7. Harvesting can be accomplished by mechanical or hand harvest.  In a trial evaluation, determining the potential for mechanical harvest, more than 90% of the fruits can be removed in a single hand harvest.
8. Flowering is late and thus is likely to avoid late spring frosts.  The plant’s stems are cold tolerant to minus 16 F (minus 27 C). 
9. The plants have shown good field resistance to both phases of mummy berry.  Flowers are self-fruitful so it is suitable to plant in solid blocks.   
10. Plants available in 72 cell plugs in April and May.  Larger sizes available September.