Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) CLIMAX®

Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) 'Climax'

Key early Rabbiteye variety with concentrated ripening.

'Climax' is a significant variety from the University of Georgia program, released in 1974. It was bred with the goal of creating a very early variety that would allow for efficient, single-pass harvesting. Thanks to the concentrated ripening of most fruits within a short window, it is ideal for mechanical harvesting and opens the Rabbiteye blueberry season.

Key Highlights:

• Very early ripening: One of the earliest Rabbiteye varieties.
• Concentrated harvest: Most fruits ripen at once (ideal for mechanization).
• Quality fruits: Medium to large, firm, and sweet.
• Low chill requirement: Requires 450 – 500 chill hours.
• Vigorous growth.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (University of Georgia and USDA). Released in 1974.
• Genetics: Cross of 'Callaway' x W8.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Vigorous, rather spreading habit.
• Chill hours: Relatively low (450 – 500 hours below 7 °C).

Fruit

• Size: Medium to large.
• Color: Dark blue with a good waxy bloom.
• Quality: Fruits are firm, stem scar is average.
• Taste: Pleasantly sweet, good.

Resistance and Requirements

• Pollination: The variety is self-sterile. Without a pollinator (e.g., 'Premier', 'Austin'), the yield is very low or non-existent.
• Diseases: Moderately susceptible to stem blight.

Harvest and Usage

• Harvest time: Very early.
• Usage: Due to concentrated ripening, it is excellent for mechanical harvesting and commercial cultivation.