Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) BRIGHTWELL

Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) 'Brightwell'

Highly productive Rabbiteye variety with excellent fruit quality.

'Brightwell' is one of the most successful varieties from the University of Georgia program, released in 1983. Thanks to its reliability, adaptability, and exceptional productivity, it has become a pillar of commercial cultivation. It is a "workhorse" variety with no significant weaknesses, offering large, firm, and tasty fruits. Due to its low chill requirement, it is suitable even for regions with very mild winters.

Key Highlights:

• Exceptional yield: Very productive and reliable variety.
• Excellent fruit quality: Large, firm, with a small dry stem scar.
• Low chill requirement: Requires only 350 – 400 chill hours.
• Extreme vigor: Strong and upright growth.
• Very good, sweet taste.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (University of Georgia and USDA). Released in 1983.
• Genetics: Cross of 'Tifblue' x 'Menditoo'.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Extremely vigorous, upright.
• Chill hours: Low (350 – 400 hours), suitable for warmer regions.

Fruit

• Size: Large.
• Color: Light blue.
• Quality: Fruits are very firm, with an excellent small and dry stem scar.
• Taste: Very good, sweet, and consistent.

Resistance and Requirements

• Pollination: The variety is self-sterile. For maximum yield, it requires a pollinator (e.g., 'Premier', 'Powderblue').
• Resistance: Robust and adaptable variety.

Harvest and Usage

• Harvest time: Mid-season.
• Usage: Excellent for commercial cultivation and home gardens due to high fruit quality.