Very-early-season southern-highbush blueberry. Origin: University of Georgia, by D.S. NeSmith. Star × Bladen; crossed 1998; selected in 2001; introduced in 2012; USPP 24,696; 29 July 2014. Tree: vigorous; upright bush with a narrow crown; flowers 7–10 days earlier than Star; frost protection strongly recommended; yield comparable to Star when frost protected; concentrated ripening; good leafing; estimated chilling requirement #350 hours; suitable for fresh market and likely machine harvestable; propagation easily accomplished using softwood cuttings; self-fertile, but Rebel or Emerald recommended for cross-pollination. Fruit: medium-to medium-large, 1.4 to 1.8 g; medium light-blue color; small, dry picking scar; good firmness and flavor; ripens 7–10 days earlier than Star.
Home