Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) BRIGITTA BLUE

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) 'Brigitta Blue'

World-class Shelf Life: A late-season variety with exceptionally firm, crunchy berries and a refreshing flavor.

The 'Brigitta Blue' variety is ranked among the absolute global elite regarding fruit quality. This late-season blueberry is highly favored by commercial growers, yet it is increasingly popular among home gardeners. Its primary asset is the exceptional firmness of the berries and their ability to remain fresh for a long time without losing flavor or texture. If you are looking for a variety that stays perfect after picking and tastes fantastic even after weeks in the fridge, 'Brigitta Blue' is the right choice.

Main advantages of the variety:

• World-class Shelf Life: Berries stay in flawless condition in the refrigerator for several weeks.
• Exceptional Texture: Known for their crunchiness and resistance to bruising.
• High Yield: Mature shrubs provide a consistent and high output of 4 – 6 kg.
• Fruit Quality: Large, light blue berries with a beautiful waxy bloom.
• High Frost Hardiness: Safely withstands temperatures down to -29 °C (-20 °F).
• Airy shrub habit, which simplifies pruning and improves light penetration.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: Australia (HRI Knoxfield, Victoria). Bred in collaboration with the USDA program and released in 1977.
• Lineage: Developed as an open-pollinated seedling of 'Lateblue' from seeds provided by the legendary American breeder Arlen Draper.

Variety Characteristics

Shrub and Growth

• Vigor and Habit: Vigorous and upright growth, reaching about 180 cm in height. The shrub is naturally open, ensuring good airflow within the canopy.
• Shoots: Young canes feature a characteristic brownish tint and ripen excellently before winter.
• Pollination: The variety is self-incompatible. For a heavy crop and proper fruit development, it requires a cross-pollinator nearby (such as 'Bluecrop' or 'Elliott').

Fruit

• Size and Color: Large berries (16 – 20 mm diameter) of light blue color with a prominent waxy bloom.
• Firmness and Flavor: Exceptionally firm and juicy flesh. The flavor is harmoniously sweet with a subtle, refreshing tartness and high aroma.
• Durability: Berries have high mechanical resistance, meaning they do not bruise easily during harvest or handling.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: High resistance in both wood and flower buds (down to -29 °C / -20 °F).
• Diseases: High resistance to fruit anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum).
• Location: Prefers airy and sunny spots. In cold, poorly ventilated areas, it may be susceptible to stem canker, so good airflow is vital.

Harvest and Yield

• Harvest Time: Late-season variety. Fruits ripen gradually from the first half of August into September.
• Yield: High and consistent; a mature plant regularly produces 4 to 6 kg of fruit.