An early-ripening rabbiteye blueberry. Origin: selected in 1972 at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Ga., from the cross T-65 × Brightwell made by Arlen Draper. Tested as T-256. Released in 2001 by the Univ. of Georgia and USDA. USPP 16,266; 21 Feb. 2006. Propagation rights controlled by Georgia Seed Development Commission, 2420 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30606. Tree: vigorous, upright with a narrow crown. Flowers a week or more later than Climax in south Georgia, but ripens at about the same time as Climax. Consistently produces high yields. Chilling requirement 450–500 h. Leafing better than Climax, even following mild winters. Produces sufficient stems to renew the plant; somewhat susceptible to twig dieback. Propagates readily from softwood cuttings. Should be planted with other rabbiteye cultivars for cross pollination. Fruit: medium size; excellent color and flavor; excellent firmness and small dry scars contribute to long postharvest life. Suitable for mechanical harvesting.
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