Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum x Vaccinium darrowii) O'NEAL

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) 'O'Neal'

Very early Southern Highbush variety with outstanding dessert flavor.

'O'Neal' is a prized Southern Highbush variety that set a new flavor standard among early blueberries upon its release. Thanks to its low-chill requirement, it is ideal for warmer and subtropical regions. It provides an early harvest of large, firm, and exceptionally tasty fruits. In cooler climates, it requires a sheltered location, as it blooms very early and is susceptible to spring frost damage.

Key Highlights:

• Premium flavor: One of the best-tasting early varieties, perfect as a dessert fruit.
• Very early harvest: Among the first varieties to ripen in the season.
• Fruit quality: Large, firm berries with a dry stem scar.
• Low chill requirement: Needs only about 400 chill hours.
• Self-fertile and highly adaptable to various soil types.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (North Carolina Agricultural Research Service and USDA). Released in 1990.
• Genetics: Cross of 'Wolcott' x 'Fla. 64-15' (incorporates genes from warm-climate species V. darrowii and V. virgatum).

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Vigorous, semi-upright habit.
• Flowering: Blooms very early, which poses a risk of damage from late spring frosts in cooler areas.
• Adaptability: Adapts well even to lighter soils.

Fruit

• Size: Very large fruits.
• Quality: Medium blue color, firm texture. The stem scar is small and dry (excellent picking scar), increasing shelf life.
• Taste: Outstanding, sweet, dessert quality.
• Usage: Primarily for the fresh fruit market and pick-your-own operations.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Lower winter hardiness. Not recommended for mountainous or extremely cold regions (flower buds can freeze at -26 °C).
• Diseases: Exhibits field resistance to the predominant strain of stem canker.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Flowers are fully self-fertile.
• Protection: Requires careful site selection or active protection against spring frosts.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very early variety. Hand harvesting is recommended.