Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) Hannah Choice

Northern Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) 'Hannah's Choice'

Early American variety with a unique peach aroma and high productivity.

'Hannah's Choice' is an exceptionally interesting American variety that has gained popularity among both commercial growers and home gardeners. It stands out primarily for its specific flavor profile, where sweetness is complemented by a subtle peach aroma. Due to its compact growth habit and a height of up to 1.5 meters, it is an ideal choice not only for gardens with acidic soil but also for container gardening on patios or balconies.

Key Highlights:

• Unique flavor: Sweet berries with a distinct peach undertone.
• High productivity: A mature bush yields up to 6 kg of fruit.
• Compact growth: Excellent for large pots and containers.
• High frost resistance: Withstands severe winter temperatures well.
• Early ripening starting in early July.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: USA (released in 1982).

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Medium vigor, upright, and compact.
• Height: Reaches approximately 150 cm at maturity.
• Usage: Suitable for open ground as well as planting containers.

Fruit

• Size and Shape: Large, spherical, slightly flattened berries.
• Quality: Fruits are firm, of very good quality, and grow in rich clusters.
• Flavor: Distinctly sweet with unique peach notes.
• Usage: Excellent for fresh consumption, freezing, and canning.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Very high resistance to winter frosts.
• Soil: Requires acidic soil (pH 3.5 – 4.8) and plenty of organic matter.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: To ensure a bountiful harvest, planting with pollinators such as 'Duke' or 'Patriot' is recommended.
• Spacing: 1.5 m apart in rows, with approximately 2 m between rows.
• Pruning: Best performed in late winter or early spring when flower buds are clearly visible.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early variety, ripening in early July.