Blueberries
Spartan Blueberries
Spartan Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Spartan') was introduced in 1977 by the USDA in Beltsville, Maryland. This beautiful, upright Northern Highbush variety produced huge, quarter-sized fruit that was twice the size of the average Blueberry of the time. Spartan had a big appeal for both commercial growers and home gardeners.
Liberty Blueberries
Heavy production of big berries and nicely balanced, robust-juicy flavor make Liberty a very popular newer release. Fruit ripens late midseason, and the upright bushes, to 8' tall, make a stunning hedge in fall when the foliage goes bright red and orange. This fast growing Northern Highbush is well suited to areas with 1000+ chill hours, especially regions that cool rapidly as summer draws to a close - hot harvest temps can soften berries.
Ochlockonee Bluberries
The Ochlockonee is a rabbiteye blueberry that is named after the Ochlockonee River in Southern Georgia. The variety was developed by D. Scott NeSmith in 2002. It was released jointly by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the US Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Research Services. The Ochlockonee blueberry bush has a moderate yield every year. The berries are large and firm and have a rich, sweet flavor. The Ochlockonee blueberry has a slightly longer ripening season than other blueberries. The fruit is not easily affected by cold.
Pink Lemonade Blueberries
You can have your pink lemonade and eat it, too! Wait, what? That's right. Pink lemonade isn't just a sweet and pretty summertime sipper. It's also a type of blueberry! Pink lemonade blueberries (Vaccinium 'Pink Lemonade') were developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1991 and "formally released" in 2005, though they didn't get their charming name until 2007. Over a decade later, these juicy pink gems are slowly gaining popularity among gardeners and making their way into the culinary world. Today, pink lemonade blueberries are making a comeback. They're not only popular for their beauty and ornamental value, but they're also a hit for fruit fans that appreciate the many health benefits they provide to those who are lucky enough to taste them. Let's learn a little more about this rose-colored berry that's both gorgeous and delicious.