Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) BLUEJAY

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) 'Bluejay'

A proven champion of uniform ripening: A robust variety with firm fruits and high resilience.

The 'Bluejay' variety is highly valued globally, particularly for its exceptional ability to ripen uniformly. Most of the crop ripens at the same time, making it one of the best varieties for quick and efficient harvesting. It is a vital, fast-growing blueberry that combines American production power with excellent health and frost hardiness. Thanks to its firm berries that stay on the bush for a long time without losing quality, it is an excellent choice for commercial orchards and home gardens alike.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Uniform Ripening: Most fruits ripen simultaneously, allowing harvest in just 1 or 2 passes.
• Excellent Shelf Life: Very firm berries with a small and dry picking scar handle transport perfectly.
• Airy Habit: Upright and open growth facilitates pruning and reduces disease risk.
• High Frost Hardiness: Safely withstands winter temperatures down to -30 °C (-22 °F).
• Resilient Blooms: Flowers are known for their good resistance to late spring frosts.
• Excellent resistance to specific viral and fungal diseases.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: USA (Michigan). Joint program of Michigan State University and USDA.
• Breeder: J. W. Johnston. Released commercially in 1977.
• Lineage: Developed from the cross 'Berkeley' × selection 'Michigan 241'.

Variety Characteristics

Shrub and Growth

• Vigor and Habit: Strong, vigorous, and fast growth. Reaches a mature height of 150 – 200 cm. The shrub is naturally upright and open.
• Flowering: Blooms mid-season. The blossoms are hardy, ensuring a stable crop even after a chilly spring.
• Pollination: The variety is partially self-fertile. However, cross-pollination with another variety (e.g., 'Bluecrop') is recommended for maximum yield and berry size.

Fruit

• Size and Shape: Medium-sized berries with a nice, uniform round shape.
• Color and Skin: Light blue color with a distinct waxy bloom. The picking scar is very small and dry, preventing leakage and decay.
• Flavor: Mild, classic blueberry taste. Tip: To achieve full sweetness, leave the berries on the bush for a few days after they turn blue; otherwise, they may have a tart undertone.

Resilience and Requirements

• Frost: Excellent frost hardiness (down to -28 °C to -30 °C / -20 °F to -22 °F).
• Diseases: Features outstanding resistance to several major viral and wood-infecting fungal diseases.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Due to its upright and airy growth habit, this variety is very easy to prune and maintain. It is considered one of the best varieties for mechanical (machine) harvesting.

Harvest and Yield

• Harvest Time: Early to mid-season. Ripens usually in mid-July.
• Yield: Medium-high to high, very stable and regular. Ripe fruits do not drop and maintain their firmness on the branches for a long time.