Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) POWDER BLUE

Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) 'Powder Blue'

Improved late Rabbiteye variety with exceptionally firm fruits.

'Powder Blue' is a variety from North Carolina State University, released in 1978. It was bred as a direct, improved alternative to the popular 'Tifblue' variety. It gets its name from the distinct light waxy bloom on the fruit. It is prized for its excellent fruit quality, especially firmness and shelf life, making it an ideal choice for commercial cultivation and long-distance transport.

Key Highlights:

• Excellent fruit quality: Large, very firm, with a small dry stem scar.
• Attractive appearance: Distinct light blue waxy bloom.
• High productivity: Comparable to 'Tifblue'.
• Great taste: Sweet, aromatic, consistent.
• Ideal for storage and transport.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (North Carolina State University). Released in 1978.
• Genetics: Cross of 'Tifblue' x 'Menditoo'.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Very vigorous, upright.
• Chill hours: Medium to higher (approx. 600 hours), similar to 'Tifblue'.

Fruit

• Size: Large.
• Color: Light blue with a heavy waxy bloom ("Powder Blue").
• Quality: Exceptionally firm fruits with an excellent dry stem scar.
• Taste: Very good, sweet, and aromatic. Does not suffer as much from the premature coloring issue (sour blue fruits) as 'Tifblue'.

Resistance and Requirements

• Pollination: The variety is self-sterile. An ideal partner is 'Tifblue' or other late varieties with overlapping bloom times.

Harvest and Usage

• Harvest time: Late (ripens simultaneously or shortly after 'Tifblue').
• Usage: Due to firmness and shelf life, it is excellent for the commercial market, transport, and storage.