New Variety Introductions

We're very proud of our variety development research at Fall Creek. With more than 30 years in the industry and a long history of working with commercial fruit growers worldwide, we have a deep understanding of the needs of growers. We maintain strong ties to the fresh, frozen and processed blueberry marketplace, too. We're keenly aware of the market demands and trends that affect growers around the globe.

Our unparalleled perspective benefits our own breeding program and others we work closely with as we work to bring varieties forward that meet the needs of growers and the industry alike. The Fall Creek Genetics section of our website will provide more insight into our breeding program.

This page highlights the varieties new to Fall Creek’s portfolio from our trusted University licensor partners as well as our own program in the future. Fall Creek is trialing many of these selections at our Global Trial Network and will include initial evaluations on this page. Keep in mind that initial production quantities of these new releases will be limited so contact our sales team early with order inquiries.

San Joaquin

San Joaquin is the first Southern Highbush blueberry variety to be released to commercial growers specifically based upon superior performance in trials conducted in the dry climates of California. San Joaquin's principal characteristics are strong, vigorous growth, consistent yields, and the production of very high quality berries in the mid-season. Ripening characteristics include open and upright bush shape and exceptionally firm fruit. These qualities make it a candidate for fresh market sales when mechanically-harvested and packed.

The large berries are slightly flat, uniform in size and very light blue in color with a pleasing guava-like flavor. Color retention after harvesting and packing has been exceptional. The berries release easily when allowed to ripen fully on the bush. Shelf life of the fruit has been excellent.

San Joaquin Characteristics:

Southern Highbush
Low Chill (400-500 hours)
Mid-Season Fruiting
Guava-Like Berry Flavor
Large, Firm Berry Size
Loose Clusters With Easy-Release Berry
Growth Habit: Upright & Vigorous
Not Self-Fertile (plant with at least one other variety - Abundance is a good choice)

License Details: Licensor: Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc. Exclusive Territory(s): US - Western States (WA, OR, CA, AZ), Republic of South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay Non-Exclusive Territory(s): US - All Other States

Scintilla

Scintilla is a new release with exceptionally-flavored berries. We recommend Scintilla for commercial trials where Southern Highbush can grow in low to medium chill areas.

The early-season, large, high quality berries are on loose, easily-picked clusters.

Scintilla Characteristics:

Southern Highbush
Low Chill (200-300 hours)
Early-Season Fruiting
Excellent, Sweet Berry Flavor / Outstanding Berry Aroma
Medium - Large, Firm Berry Size
Loose Clusters With Easy-Release Berry
Growth Habit: Upright & Vigorous

Farthing

Farthing is another new Southern Highbush release. It's high yields and strong, compact growth habit are gaining high interest among growers currently trialing this variety. We caution against over-cropping which can result in smaller berries and red backs. We recommend Farthing for commercial trials in the Southern region.

Farthing Characteristics:

Southern Highbush
Low Chill (300 hours)
Early-Season Fruiting
Mild, Tart Berry Flavor
Medium, Firm Berry Size
Growth Habit: Compact & Strong

For more information about San Joaquin, Scintilla, Farthing or any of our other new release, please contact a member of our Commercial Sales Team.

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