Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum x Vaccinium darrowii) BLUE SUEDE®

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) 'Blue Suede™'

Modern Southern Highbush variety for home gardens with early harvest and late bloom.

'Blue Suede™' is a modern Southern Highbush variety from the University of Georgia, bred specifically for the needs of home gardeners. It combines the best of both worlds – an early, high-quality harvest with significant ornamental value. Its unique feature is later flowering, which protects the crop from spring frosts while maintaining an early fruit ripening schedule.

Key Highlights:

• Safe early harvest: Blooms later (avoids frost) but ripens early.
• Attractive fruits: Large, with a distinct light blue color.
• Ornamental value: Deep red autumn foliage.
• Gradual ripening: Ideal for an extended harvest period in the garden.
• Balanced and pleasant flavor.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (University of Georgia and USDA). Selection TH-682.
• Genetics: Complex hybrid (V. corymbosum, V. darrowii, V. virgatum).

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Vital, vigorous growth.
• Appearance: High ornamental value due to attractive red autumn foliage.
• Chill hours: Medium-high (500 – 550 hours), ensuring later bloom (10–14 days later than other early varieties).

Fruit

• Size: Large fruits.
• Color: Exceptionally attractive, distinctly light blue.
• Quality: Good firmness and good stem scar (shelf life).
• Taste: Pleasant, balanced.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Due to delayed flowering, it is significantly less risky regarding spring frost damage compared to other early varieties.

Harvest and Usage

• Harvest time: Early (before Rabbiteye varieties), ripening is gradual.
• Usage: The ideal "safe" choice for home gardens, combining utility and beauty.