COMMERCIAL VARIETY CHART
Our 2007/2008 Commercial Grower Catalog coming in September 2007!
Northern Varieties
Northern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) are the most widely planted blueberries in the world. They grow best in temperate climates where total winter chilling is 1,000 hours or more. Except where listed, most highbush varieties are relatively self-pollinizing. Varieties are listed in order of ripening. The physical characteristics of the variety are listed first, followed by subjective evaluations of performance in areas where the variety is best suited. These evaluations are compiled with the most recent information from growers throughout the world.
Earliblue
Earliest season. Upright bush, moderately vigorous and easy to grow. Fruit is medium large, light blue, good quality and flavor.
Earliblue continues to be popular for a fresh market and U-pick variety as it produces the first quality berries on the market. Not as heavy a producer as the mid-season varieties but the gross dollar return per acre can be excellent since the early season price is usually higher. Avoid frost pockets and poorly drained soil. Closer spacings are popular with this and most other early varieties to increase production. Mechanical harvesting is quite successful with Earliblue when targeted for the process market.
Duke
Early. Bush is open, stocky, multi-caned and upright. Vigorous, very productive. Fruit is large, light blue, firm, with a mild flavor.
Duke is the leading northern highbush variety in the West and many other parts of the world. It is known for its high, early yields and excellent quality fruit. The berries remain evenly sized throughout the harvest. They are medium blue, quite firm with notably crisp flesh. The mild flavor improves with cold storage. The bush is strong and one of the most productive varieties grown. We find the only disadvantage to Duke is that it can be a challenge to keep the bush vigorous and growing well over a long period of time, thus growers must choose a quality growing site and continually employ good cultural practices. Duke has a proven track record as one of the best varieties for mechanical harvest. Joined by Draper and Liberty, Duke remains one of the best highbush varieties with exceptional quality to fit both the fresh and process markets.
Reka (U.S. Plant Patent 6700)
Early. Ripens between Earliblue and Bluecrop, upright, very vigorous bush, extremely productive. Fruit is dark blue, medium sized, small scar and firm.
A patented release from New Zealand, Reka is one of the fastest growing, most adaptable varieties we have ever evaluated. Reka grows well in light sandy soils, peat and heavier clay loams. Reka seems to be more tolerant of wetter ground than many other varieties. Growers are especially enthused over Reka’s production. The yield curve is quite steep, out-producing most others in the early years and surpassing most at maturity. While Reka has found reasonable success in the fresh market, it is a preferred variety of process growers for its superior machine harvest characteristics and high yields. Fall Creek is the exclusive licensed nursery for Reka in North America.
Spartan
Early. Upright bush, moderately vigorous and moderately productive. Fruit is very large, superb fresh quality, outstanding flavor.
We introduced Spartan on the West Coast in 1981 and it has been popular ever since. Spartan blooms late but ripens early, and is frost resistant. The berries are very attractive and one of the largest, often covering a quarter. Flavor is one of the best of all highbush. Spartan can be site specific, preferring light, well drained soil. Once this variety is established in a favorable site it can be hard to beat.
Patriot
Early. Vigorous, slightly spreading, short stature bush. Highly productive, bearing very large, medium blue, slightly flat fruit. Excellent flavor, small dry scar, firm if the weather is not too hot.
This super hardy variety is also one of the heaviest producers. The berries hang in large clusters like grapes on the outer periphery of the bush. The bush is of low to medium stature with pliable branches that will yield to heavy snow loads in winter. Plants are easy to establish, tolerating less than ideal conditions such as wet or heavy soils. Berries are very large with fair fresh quality. Well suited for U-pick or farm sales in areas with colder winters or shorter growing seasons.
Northland
Early mid-season. Bush is vigorous, spreading, medium height, extremely productive. Fruit is medium blue, medium sized, very sweet.
Northland performs quite well in cold climates or where extreme winter and summer temperatures may preclude other varieties. One of the heaviest producing varieties grown, Northland is doing well in Canada, the inland areas of the West and other regions with cold winters. Northland is recommended for processing, local farm sales or marginal blueberry growing areas with very cold winter temperatures.
Chippewa
Mid-season. Compact, upright bush to 4 ft. high. Fruit is medium large, very light blue, firm and very sweet.
Chippewa is a half-high 1996 release from Minnesota. Parentage incorporates some of the most cold hardy selections known. Production and fruit size has been similar to Northblue. Fruit of Chippewa is larger than Polaris, lighter blue, with milder flavor. Recommended in all areas where a super cold hardy variety is desired.
Bluejay
Mid-season. Bush is extremely vigorous, medium spreading. Medium to high productivity. Fruit is light blue, medium sized, small dry scar, very firm with a thick skin.
Bluejay is recommended for growers requiring a variety adapted for mechanical harvesting. The bush grows rapidly and is easy to establish. Berries are borne on loose clusters that will hang for long periods of time so that most of the fruit can be harvested in one picking. The medium sized berry is acceptable for fresh, but is best suited for the process market. Excellent overall production can be sustained year after year under good growing conditions. In some colder regions, Bluejay has shown some vulnerability in yield, possibly due to poor pollination and frost during bloom.
Northblue
Mid-season. Semi-dwarf bush, growing to a height of 3-4 ft. Fruit is large, dark blue, with a “wild” blueberry flavor.
Northblue was released as a half-high commercial variety by the University of Minnesota, where productivity of normal highbush cultivars is poor due to cold winter temperatures or inadequate winter protection. Northblue is quite productive for its size, producing between 3 and 7 pounds per bush in Minnesota tests. Initial observation here in Oregon indicates a high yield potential in milder climates. For commercial plantings, 2 or 3 by 8 foot spacing is recommended. Very little pruning is needed for Northblue the first few years, then regular thinning of old wood is recommended. Northblue is suggested for colder winter climates for commercial, U-pick and local farm sales.
Blueray
Mid-season. Bush is upright, multi-caned, productive, vigorous. Large, very light blue fruit, firm, medium to large scar, excellent flavor.
Blueray particularly excels in marginal blueberry growing areas where winters are more severe, but northern highbush can still be grown. It is particularly suited for direct market farms where large size and superior flavor are important. Does best in intensive plantings with severe pruning. Tight clusters discourage machine harvest of the first picking.
Toro
Mid-season. Strong, spreading, moderate growth. Fruit is consistently large, outstanding firm quality, medium scar, exceptional color, mild flavor, concentrated ripening.
Toro may possess the best overall fresh market quality fruit of any variety. The easy to pick berries are borne on large clusters that hang like grapes from the spreading stocky bush. In some areas it is replacing Bluecrop as the preferred mid-season variety. Production has been consistent and quite high in Oregon. Highly recommended for fresh market and local sales. The large, tight clusters discourage machine harvest of the firstpicking.
1613-A (Hardyblue)
Mid-season. Bush erect, open, strong canes. Vigorous, very productive. Berries medium sized, light blue, very sweet. Open cluster, concentrates ripening extremely well.
1613-A is a time proven variety with significant acreage planted throughout the Northwest. It is a heavy producer of excellent quality medium size process berries with consistently high brix (sugar) content. The bush shape, open cluster and concentrated ripening characteristics make it one of the best for mechanical harvesting. Excellent for on farm sales but not suitable for long distance fresh shipping. Highly recommended where a heavy producing process berry is desired. Seems more adaptable to heavier soils than most varieties.
Draper (U.S. Plant Patent 15103)
Mid-season, a few days before Bluecrop. Robust, upright bush, highly productive. Fruit is light blue, consistently large, exceptionally firm with crisp texture. Small scar, strong skin and excellent low-acid flavor. Fruit ripening is noticeably concentrated to one primary harvest.
Draper is a new, highly productive, early mid-season cultivar with outstanding fresh market quality berries and excellent machine harvest characteristics. Notable features include exceptional firmness, concentrated ripening, easy release of ripe fruit and loose clusters that bear fruit on the periphery of a strong small stature bush. The berry has excellent post-harvest color retention and superior shelf life. During the past three harvest seasons, Draper was the most impressive cultivar in our clonal blocks when evaluated against over 150 other named and advanced selections. We believe that Draper may be the first cultivar that can be consistently harvested mechanically and shipped fresh. Draper is recommended for both fresh and process growers desiring an improved machine harvested mid-season variety. Fall Creek™ is the exclusive licensed nursery for states west of the Mississippi River and Canadian provinces excluding British Columbia and is currently licensed to sell in these territories only.
Bluegold
Mid-season. Compact, spreading bush to 4 ft. Extremely productive. Fruit is very round, sky blue, exceptionally firm, with a small recessed scar. Cold hardy.
When first released in 1990, Bluegold was thought to be late ripening. We were disappointed to learn that this variety was actually mid-season, ripening most all of its fruit within the first two pickings of Bluecrop. A pleasant surprise was the very high production of truly superior fruit. The berries are very firm, flavorful and evenly sized. Shelf life in normal storage as well as controlled atmosphere has been outstanding. A particularly exciting feature is the concentrated ripening, making Bluegold one of the most economical varieties for hand harvest and a good candidate for mechanical
harvesting. We recommend Bluegold for growers desiring a superior quality mid-season berry for fresh or processed sales.
Bluecrop
Mid-season. Upright, vigorous bush, very productive. Fruit is light blue, very large, very firm, small scar, flavorful when ripe, won’t crack or drop.
Bluecrop is still the industry’s standard of excellence, most reliable and by far the most widely planted of any cultivar. An easy bush to grow, Bluecrop has very few problems. It can withstand spring frosts quite well, resulting in high, consistent yields. The fruit can be tart and show a large percentage of “red backs” if picked too early. Machine harvesting of Bluecrop has become more feasible with the advent of color sorters in the processing lines. Bluecrop is recommended for all facets of blueberry production.
Chandler
Mid-late season. Slightly spreading bush, moderate vigor. Largest fruit, medium firmness, scar and color, excellent flavor, long ripening season.
Chandler is a 1994 USDA release noted for its exceptionally large, high quality fruit. Berries of Chandler usually cover a quarter in size, with some larger. A key to this large size is the long ripening season. Chandler can be picked regularly over 4-6 weeks. It is perfect for U-pick and direct market sales where a hand picked standout berry is needed. Yields have been good to excellent. It is recommended for production in areas with milder winters where high-chill varieties do well.
Rubel
Late mid-season. Upright bush of medium vigor. Very consistent producer of quite small fruit with intense flavor and color.
Despite the hundreds of new varieties released since 1912, this wild selection continues to be grown in many areas. Rubel offers consistent yields of small fruit borne on loose clusters, perfect for machine harvest. Rubel is well liked by processors because of its clean harvest, uniformly dark color and low stem count. Food manufacturers covet the small fruit as one of the best for muffins, yogurts and dried products.
Of additional interest to growers and marketers is Rubel’s extremely high content of antioxidants, compounds that have been identified as playing a major role in improving eyesight, lowering cholesterol levels and preventing cancer, as well as numerous other health benefits. This research opened new markets for blueberries in general and Rubel in particular. We recommend Rubel for growers looking to mechanically harvest yet diversify their product base in the process market.
Legacy
Late mid-season, after second pick Bluecrop. Upright, open, vigorous to 6-7 ft. Berries are medium sized, light blue, very firm, superior scar and flavor.
Legacy is a 1993 USDA release from New Jersey. Observations at Fall Creek™ and numerous sites across the country indicate that Legacy is highly adaptable to numerous climates, including many southern and moderate-climate northern regions. This variety tends to be a little slower to produce in the first couple of years, but then responds with very high yields once established. Legacy has received top ranking reviews for its fruit quality and flavor. Mechanical harvest suitability is good since the ripe berries detach very easily and green berries hold well. Legacy is a northern-southern cross, including 25% V. darrowi. It will keep its leaves through most of the winter. We recommend Legacy for planting in mild climates and for trial in colder areas for both fresh market and process sales.
Jersey
Late season. Extremely vigorous, large, upright bush. Consistent producer of medium to small sized, medium blue, firm fruit, borne in loose clusters.
Jersey is one of the oldest varieties and one of the most dependable. It grows well in most types of soil, producing consistent yields of very sweet fruit. The loose clusters and upright bush are well-suited for mechanical harvesting. Jersey is best suited for the process market where a small to medium sized berry is desirable.
Darrow
Late season. Vigorous, upright bush, consistently productive in mild climates. Very large fruit, light blue, firm, with a large scar, excellent tart flavor.
In milder blueberry growing areas such as Oregon, Darrow is a fast growing, consistent producer of good quality late season fruit. Darrow is picked 4-6 times through the season, with the first pick yielding fruit that will easily cover a quarter. The slightly tart flavor is outstanding for cooking or eating fresh. Recommended for U-pick and farm sales. Not suitable for machine harvesting.
Ozarkblue (U.S. Plant Patent 10035)
Late season. Upright, vigorous growth. Fruit is very high quality, firm, large, light blue, with a small dry scar. Consistent high yields.
Ozarkblue has been listed for a number of years in our Southern section, but its outstanding performance here in the Northwest warrants consideration by growers in cooler climates. Here in the West, Ozarkblue distinguishes itself as a late blooming, late ripening cultivar with excellent fresh fruit quality berries that retain their size through the harvest. Production figures have been very impressive in Oregon, out-yielding Bluecrop. Ozarkblue may only be partially self-fertile and will benefit from cross pollination. For highest yields rows should be alternated with another variety such as Bluecrop, Legacy or Liberty. Ultimate cold hardiness of Ozarkblue is not known. It is recommended for commercial planting in mild areas of moderate winters with 800 hours chilling and for trial in colder zones. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Ozarkblue throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery for Ozarkblue in Washington, Oregon and California.
Liberty (U.S. Plant Patent 15146)
Late season. Vigorous, upright to slightly spreading, with long drooping fruiting laterals. Fruit is medium to large sized, slightly flat, sky blue, very firm, small scar, with a very pleasant, medium-acid flavor.
Liberty is a selection from a Brigitta x Elliott cross and seems to have inherited the best characteristics of both. First harvest is about a week before Elliott, ripening over two to three pickings and finishing before Elliott. The berries are slightly flat with an attractive sky-blue color and outstanding firmness. Liberty is proving to be a fast growing upright bush, with strong potential for high yields during the establishment years. Testing in our trial blocks show good potential for mechanical harvest as the cluster is loose and ripe berries detach easily from the bush. The flavor is reminiscent of Brigitta but the production is notably better. Consistent high yields in Michigan indicate that the buds and wood of Liberty are tolerant to fluctuating late fall and spring temperatures and cold winters to -20ºF. We highly recommend Liberty for late season fresh and process markets. Fall Creek™ is the exclusive licensed nursery for states west of the Mississippi River and Canadian provinces excluding British Columbia, and is currently licensed to sell in these territories only.
Elliott
Very late. Upright, vigorous, excellent bush shape. Heaviest producer of medium sized, powder blue, very firm, slightly tart berries. Small, dry scar.
For the last decade, Elliott has been the leading late season blueberry for the fresh market. It is used extensively in controlled atmosphere storage programs to extend shelf life for up to 8 weeks. The berries are medium sized, light blue with high acid and slightly tart flavor that ripen over a long period of four to five weeks depending on location. Elliott can be vulnerable to high temperatures during harvest, resulting in soft and wrinkled berries. It is consistently rated as one of the highest producers in most highbush trial sites around the world. Elliott has moderate vigor and must be adequately pruned to retain bush growth and berry size.
Aurora (U.S. Plant Patent 15185)
Very late, 7-10 days after Elliott. Moderately spreading, vigorous, strong bush. Very high, consistent producer of large, medium blue, firm, slightly tart berries with very small, dry scar.
Aurora is the latest ripening new release from MSU, offering northern growers an opportunity to extend the fresh fruit season beyond Elliott. Our observations here in Oregon find Aurora to have an extremely high yield capacity. The berries ripen over three to four pickings and average in size about 25% larger than Elliott with a slightly darker color. Heavy rains during the 2004 harvest season showed Aurora to be more resistant to cracking than most varieties. The post-harvest problems that can plague Elliott do not seem to be apparent with Aurora. Aurora berries can be tart and must be harvested when fully ripe. Early reports indicate that the flavor is superior to Elliott. In controlled atmosphere storage studies, Aurora stored slightly longer than Elliott. We recommend Aurora for growers where a cold hardy, hand harvest berry is desired to extend the fresh market harvest season. Fall Creek™ is the exclusive licensed nursery for states west of the Mississippi River and Canadian provinces excluding British Columbia, and is currently licensed to sell in these territories only.
Rabbiteye Varieties
Rabbiteye blueberries, Vaccinium ashei, are native to the southeastern United States. They have been commercially cultivated for over 100 years. The berries are firmer than highbush, with thicker skin. The seeds tend to be slightly more pronounced than highbush. In the south, growers machine harvest rabbiteyes for both the fresh and process markets. Here in Oregon, rabbiteyes actually ripen quite late, with some varieties starting at the end of August and continuing through October. Their post-harvest shelf life is outstanding and generally better than highbush.
Powderblue
Very late. Vigorous, upright, easy to grow bush. Highly productive. Berries are medium sized, sky blue, very firm, small scar, with a long shelf life.
Powderblue is currently the leading variety for late season rabbiteye production. The bush is quite vigorous, out growing most highbush. Powderblue has high yields, rivaling the better highbush. The berries are medium in size, sky blue, quick to pick and resistant to cracking from fall rains. We recommend Powderblue for all rabbiteye plantings where a quality, late season fruit is desired.
Ochlockonee (U.S. Plant Patent 17300)
Very late. Moderately upright, vigorous bush. Highly productive. Berries are large, medium blue, medium firm, small, dry scar, with good sweet flavor.
Ochlockonee is a University of Georgia selection that was tested for many years prior to release in 2002. Its performance here in Oregon seems to mirror that of Georgia, producing good yields of large, firm berries that ripen later than most other rabbiteyes. The berry size is larger than Powderblue, ripening about a week later in some years and at the same time in others. Berry flavor and quality is quite good with a pleasing skin texture and small unobtrusive seeds. Early observations indicate that Ochlockonee may be more resistant to bacterial canker than other varieties. It is more resistant to cracking from rains during harvest than most other rabbiteyes, but not as resistant as Powderblue. Recommended for commercial planting where a late fresh market fruit is desired. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Ochlockonee throughout the U.S., and is the exclusive licensed nursery in the western states.
Maru
Very late. Slightly spreading, vigorous bush. Highly productive, yielding large sized, medium blue, firm, mild flavored fruit.
Maru is the latest ripening rabbiteye cultivar released to date. In New Zealand, it has proven to be one of the most profitable varieties ever for growers in areas with sufficient warm weather in the fall to ripen the fruit. Initial yields here in Oregon have been quite high. The berries are larger than Powderblue or Ochlockonee, light blue and quite firm. They need good heat units during ripening to reach full flavor. We recommend Maru for trial and limited commercial plantings in Oregon and other similar climates for growers wanting to extend the harvest season.
Southern Varieties
Included in this listing are varieties considered best suited for southern climates where summers are hotter and chilling hours fall well below 1,000 per year. The varieties are listed in order of ripening when fruited in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Ripening time will vary depending on the climate in which they are grown. Estimated minimum chilling requirement (number of hours under 45°F in winter) is listed for each variety. Subjective evaluation is compiled with the most recent information from growers throughout the world. Most southern highbush varieties are not self-fertile. For highest production and largest berry size, care should be taken to alternate rows of varieties that will cross-pollinize.
Snowchaser (US Plant Patent Pending)
Extremely early. Bush is rounded, medium to high vigor, highly productive if protected from frosts. Fruit is medium to large, medium blue, firm, medium small scar, good flavor.
Seldom has a variety garnered as much attention from early producers as Snowchaser, the newest release from the Florida breeding program. In Florida trials since 1999, Snowchaser has ripened 15 to 20 days before Star making this variety the earliest ripening of all cultivars. For California, this could mean harvest in April for early regions if the relative ripening times hold true. Snowchaser is a vigorous bush that leafs well in the spring and sets a high number of flower buds. With its low chill requirement of 200 hours or less, it has a tendency to fall-flower, particularly when the bushes are younger. The spring bloom is quite early. Springhigh and Emerald are anticipated to be the best pollination companions. Snowchaser berries are medium to large, slightly smaller than Star, and have good scar, flavor, firmness and pleasing blue color. Overall, we have been impressed with the berry quality and feel that it will be quite suitable for the fresh market. Even though Snowchaser is unproven in the West, we recommend it in limited commercial plantings for growers positioning in the earliest market window. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Snowchaser throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery for the western states.
Springhigh (US Plant Patent 16404)
Very early. Bush is upright, quite vigorous. Fruit is large to very large, dark blue, medium firm, small scar with a pleasant flavor.
Springhigh is a 2004 release from the Florida breeding program and adds to the “super-early” collection that is moving the ripening season forward for southern highbush blueberries. It is very early, reaching 50% ripe about nine days before the mean for Jewell and Star. The berries are large with good flavor, and a small scar. The berries tend to be dark in color, similar to Oneal. Springhigh should be harvested when just ripe to retain firmness in the pack as it can get soft if allowed to remain on the bush too long. The bush is notable for its strong, upright growth with good spring leafing characteristics. Chilling requirements are low, estimated at around 300 hours. Springhigh is recommended for trial and limited commercial planting where the earliest fresh markets are targeted. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Springhigh throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery for the western states.
Star (U.S. Plant Patent 10675)
Very Early. Bush slightly spreading, moderately vigorous. Fruit is large to very large, sweet, medium blue, small recessed scar, outstanding quality.
This University of Florida release is the leading southern highbush variety in most areas where it is grown. Star has dependable berry quality, ease of hand harvest, early ripening and vigorous, consistent growth. Star blooms a little later than Oneal and ripens with Oneal. Harvests are highly concentrated, with most berries removed in the first two pickings. Chilling requirement is approximately 400 hours. The only apparent drawbacks we have found with Star is the susceptibility to botrytis during wet springs and the tendency to crack in heavy rains during ripening. We highly recommend Star for commercial planting wherever southern highbush can be grown. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Star throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery for the western states.
Oneal
Very early. Bush erect, slightly spreading. Fruit is medium sized, medium blue, firm, very sweet, excellent scar.
Oneal is one of the primary varieties in California, Chile and Argentina, and is still a leading variety in its home state of North Carolina. Its popularity has waned somewhat in the West as it can be a little slower to establish and is more site specific than some of the other southern varieties. Most growers and sellers would agree that Oneal is one of the very best flavored berries, with exceptionally reliable quality throughout the harvest. Once established, yields have kept pace with most other southern highbush. Cumulative cold requirement is listed at 400 hours. Grows best where the pH is kept at 5.0 or lower.
Jewel (U.S. Plant Patent 11807)
Early. Slightly spreading, highly vigorous bush. Highly productive. Fruit is large, light blue, small scar with a slightly tart flavor.
This University of Florida release is very popular in California due to its excellent quality fruit, vigorous growth and high yields. First harvest of Jewel is usually a few days after Star. Jewel is noted for its exceptional vigor, strong leafing and site adaptability. Flowering period is slightly later than Emerald and close to Star. Chilling requirement is estimated at 200 hours. Jewel is recommended for commercial production in areas of low to medium chill where early, high quality fruit is desired. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Jewel throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery for the western states.
Santa Fe (U.S. Plant Patent 10788)
Early. Bush is quite vigorous and slightly sprawling. Fruit is large to very large, light blue, medium firm, very small scar, with a pleasing sweet flavor.
Santa Fe performs best where chilling hours meet or exceed 600 hours. The bushes show excellent vigor, with strong leafing and an ability to support heavy crop loads when chilling has been met. The bush can be a little rangy at times and performs best when trellised. The berries are uniformly large throughout harvest, easy to pick and of exceptional fresh quality. Growers are considering Santa Fe as a possible machine harvesting candidate due to its concentrated ripening and ease of berry release. In one trial, Santa Fe has shown an interesting ability to thrive in low organic matter soils while being irrigated with water high in dissolved bicarbonates; most other clones died or became unproductive. We recommend Santa Fe for trial and limited commercial planting in California and other southern regions. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Santa Fe throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery for the western states.
Abundance (US Plant Patent 16476)
Early. Bush is upright, extremely vigorous and productive. Fruit is large to very large, medium blue, good crisp firmness, small scar, excellent flavor.
Abundance is a new release from the Florida program, selected for its outstanding production and vigorous, strong growth. Plants of Abundance are upright with robust canes. The branches leaf out strongly in the spring which enables them to carry a very large crop and still size and ripen the fruit. Abundance re-grows vigorously after post-harvest hedging, indicating good adaptability for mechanical pruning. We have been particularly impressed with the large crop Abundance will hold, presenting the berries in long, exposed clusters with concentrated ripening, similar to the best of the northern highbush. The berries are large, similar to Jewell and Star, firm and slightly crisp, with outstanding flavor. Mechanical harvesting of Abundance has not been tested to date. Hand harvest rates are high. Abundance is highly recommended for trials and limited commercial plantings as an improved early-midseason variety. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Abundance throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery for the western states.
Emerald (U.S. Plant Patent 12165)
Midseason. Bush is vigorous and spreading. Fruit is very large, firm, medium blue, with good flavor and a smallscar. Extremely productive.
Emerald yields from young plantings in California are setting production records. The vigorous, highly productive bush seems to leaf and grow well despite supporting incredibly large crops. Emerald has been known to flower some in the fall but this has not appeared to reduce the spring crop. The berry is mild flavored, firm and well textured with medium blue color. Berry size is currently the largest of any of the southern highbush offered. The harvest period is quite long, with multiple picks lasting over four weeks. Chilling requirement is quite low, estimated at about 250 hours. We highly recommend Emerald for commercial plantings in all climates where it is suited. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Emerald throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery in the western states.
Misty
Midseason. Bush is slightly spreading, extremely vigorous. Medium to large fruit, very firm, small scar, mild sweetflavor.
Misty has been planted extensively in California where it is recognized for its fast growth, high yields and consistent quality. Here in the West we find Misty to be quite vigorous, growing very well both on the Coast and in the inland heat. Misty has a long harvest season; it is normally picked 3-5 times during harvest. Misty must be pruned heavily to avoid over-cropping and small fruit. Recommended for commercial production in areas with chilling as low as 250 hours and all areas with mild winters and hot summers.
Biloxi
Midseason. Upright bush, vigorous, productive. Fruit is medium sized, light blue, very firm, excellent flavor.
Biloxi is a 1998 USDA release from Mississippi, notable for its early ripening and high fruit quality. The berries are medium size, crisp textured with an excellent strong flavor. Biloxi is listed as requiring 400 hours chilling but observations suggest it may perform best in evergreen culture with very little chilling. Plants tend to be quite bushy and do not perform as well in the mid-chilling zones. Biloxi is recommended for trial in very low chill areas where evergreen culture is desired.
Sharpblue
Midseason. Bush is exceptionally vigorous, slightly spreading. Fruit is very large, medium scar, medium blue, excellent flavor.
Sharpblue has the lowest chill requirement of any variety and grows well in areas where it is managed as an evergreen blueberry with practically no chilling. It is the most adaptable of all the low chill types, performing well from the heavy soils of coastal Australia to the sandy soils of Florida. Sharpblue continues to be planted because of its bush vigor, earliness, very large fruit and excellent flavor. Care must be taken to harvest frequently to keep the quality high in hot weather as the berry can get soft. Recommended for the lowest chill areas.
Southmoon (U.S. Plant Patent 9834)
Midseason. Bush is moderately vigorous and upright. Fruit is very large, sky blue, firm, small dry scar, with outstanding flavor, highly productive.
Southmoon is one of the earlier Florida releases that is performing well in the West in suitable sites with adequate pruning. In Florida’s exacting climate, mortality has been a problem, but this has not been an issue in California when planted in suitable soils. Southmoon’s berries are some of the prettiest we have ever seen, and the eating quality supports their appearance. The berries ripen about 14 days after Star, with peak harvest around Memorial Day in California. We recommend Southmoon for limited commercial plantings, particularly in lighter sandy soil. Chilling requirement is listed at 500 hours. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Southmoon throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery in the western states.
Ozarkblue (U.S. Plant Patent 10035)
Late season. Upright, vigorous growth. Fruit is very high quality, firm, large, light blue, with a small dry scar. Consistent high yields.
Ozarkblue is a hybrid consisting of both northern and southern parentage. It is a late ripening cultivar, performing very well in California where it ripens about June 10 - July 10. The berries are large, light blue and of excellent quality. The bush is vigorous and open in habit, like Bluecrop, performing well where other varieties have struggled. Ozarkblue should be planted with other varieties for best pollination. Chilling hours are estimated at 800. We recommend Ozarkblue where a late ripening variety is required to extend the harvest season. Fall Creek™ is licensed to sell Ozarkblue throughout the United States and is the exclusive licensed nursery for the western states.
