For maturity, Vernon is early to mid May, Titan is mid to late May, and Krewer is late May to early June. Brightwell usually ripens mid to late May.
I lost the tags on my UGA blueberries which I purchased about 8 years ago. They were Titan, Vernon, Krewer, and Georgia Giant. I can easily identify Titan which has produced about 2 gallons of berries so far and has many more yet to ripen.
Ka-Bluey has grown gangbusters this year. I set out a small plant last year which barely grew 6 inches. This year it has already added 2 feet of growth on several shoots. If it keeps this up, I’ll have fruit to evaluate next year.
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My thing is many of the newer blueberry varieties are tilted toward facilitating mechanical harvesting.
Firmness does not always translate to better flavor. Though sometimes it does. Which is a reason I cling to Alapaha. Great flavor.
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The extension service here seems to recommend old varieties. Can’t tell if they really prefer them to the newer ones like Vernon, Titan, Krewer or if it’s just easier not to update their recommendations.
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I contacted the extension service in MIssissippi a few months ago while trying to locate Diamond pear. The extension recommendations were last updated over 30 years ago. They are not going to update them again any time soon. This is not unique to Mississippi! I would not trust any extension service recommendations if they have not been updated at least in the last 10 years.
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My own roots Diamond Pear is still growing well. It will be interesting to compare it to the ones on OHF333 and OHF87.
Have you grown Yadkin rabbiteye? You may have its season covered by other favorites.
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Yadkin has been problematic for me, mostly because it is very susceptible to summer drought for the first year or two of growth. It is a good variety otherwise and once you get it to 3 or 4 years old, it is a workhorse producing abundant fruit.
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Yadkin and Brightwell ripen around the same time
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Ochlockonee doesn’t get much mention. Internet says late with some tart, long harvest to extend season. This may enter SWD season certain places.
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Saw this today, think I’ll add an Ochlockonee to give it a try. ACES comparison rabbit eye blueberries 5-25.pdf (62.7 KB)
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I worry that Ochlockonee ripens in SWD time period- late summer.
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Good point. I never had the dreaded SWD in my blueberries but I only planted early fruiting varieties. I have seen SWD in wild blackberries here so it certainly isn’t something I want to invite. No point in having a great harvest of inedible fruit. This link shows the full report with the later ripening time for Ochlockonee. Research Update: Assessment of Rabbiteye Blueberry Cultivars - Alabama Cooperative Extension System
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