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  • From: Mauch1@aol.com
  • To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [NAFEX] Web Site & Blueberries
  • Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 14:44:23 -0500

Came across this Cornell Website I thought might be of use.
I particularly like it because it provides sources for the
varieties it discusses:
http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/berry.html

As to blueberries, of the 13 plants (all different varieties)
I have, I need/want to replace two of them. Earliblue and
Patriot, both seem severely virussed. Patriot seems to be
now know to have virus problems and Earliblue is highly
susceptible. Both were 'early' varieties.

Now my plan is to dig up the old shrubs and remove as much soil as possible.
Then I'll refill the holes with a good mixture of soil, peat moss, and
compost.

The two varieties that I think I'm going to buy as
replacement are the following:

Duke: Considered now one of the best early varieties, with
good flavor and keeping qualities.

Chandler: The largest berry currently out. Good flavor and
productivity. Late.

Other varieties I considered, but have since rejected:
Rubel: Old 1911 variety. Highest in anti-oxidants.
Rejected as it tends to be used for machine harvesting and
has a small berry.

Spartan: Good berry, but the shrub has a reputation for
being particular about the soil its in. As my base soil is
actually a heavy clay, I think I should give this one a pass.

Of the other berries I have I'd say Berkley is my handsdown
favorite. Good tasting, bears over a long time.

Bluecrop almost died out one year. It produced so many
berries, that it couldn't ripen them all and it died back
after that.

I've not been impressed with Elliot so far. Far too acidic
for my tastes.

Any thoughts on my variety choices or anything else?


--
Chris Mauchline
SE PA, zone 6
40° 5' N    75° 51'W
~650 ft elevation





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