Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) AURORA

Northern Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) 'Aurora' (PBR)

Very late variety with superior shelf life, extending the harvest season.

'Aurora' (patented variety) is a modern American blueberry bred with a clear goal – to maximize the fresh fruit season. It is one of the latest varieties on the market, ripening even after 'Elliott'. It is highly prized for its firm fruits with excellent durability, allowing for long-term storage and transport. For growers, it represents the ideal choice for the end of the season when most other varieties have finished bearing fruit.

Key Highlights:

• Very late harvest: Ripens in late August to early September.
• Excellent shelf life: Very firm fruits, resistant to rot.
• High yield: Productive variety with consistent yields.
• Fruit quality: Tasty, sweet-tart berries with a dry stem scar.
• Excellent frost hardiness (down to -20 °C).

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (Michigan State University). Breeder James F. Hancock. Patented in 2004.
• Genetics: Cross of 'Brigitta' x 'Elliott'.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Vigorous, upright to slightly spreading. Reaches a height of 1.5 m.
• Shoots: Fruits are well exposed on the bush, facilitating both manual and mechanical harvesting.
• Foliage: In autumn, leaves turn beautiful red-purple shades.

Fruit

• Size: Medium (approx. 1.5 g).
• Color and Quality: Purple-blue with a distinct waxy bloom. The flesh is very firm (rated 8 out of 9), and the stem scar is small and dry.
• Flavor: Excellent, delicious, sweet-tart.
• Usage: Ideal for the fresh fruit market, as well as for freezing and processing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Excellent hardiness of wood and buds (tested below -20 °C). Tolerates temperature fluctuations in spring and autumn well.
• Pollination: It is self-fertile, but planting with another late variety (e.g., 'Elliott' or 'Liberty') is recommended for maximum yield.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very late. Begins approx. 5 days after 'Elliott' (late August / September).
• Storage: Ranks among the best-storing varieties; fruits remain fresh for a long time even in cold storage.