Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum x Vaccinium darrowii) MILLENNIA®

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) 'Millennia'

Extremely early and high-yielding variety with excellent balanced flavor.

'Millennia' (patent US PP20181) is a premier Southern Highbush variety released by the University of Florida in 2009. It resulted from a cross between the Sharpblue variety and FL 90-3 selection. As a direct competitor to 'Primadonna', it occupies the earliest blueberry segment on the market. Millennia stands out not only for its extreme earliness but especially for its high productivity and excellent, balanced fruit flavor.

Key Highlights:

• Extreme earliness: Ripens among the very first varieties of the season.
• High yield: Achieves top yields of 4.5 to 6.8 kg per bush.
• Excellent taste: Perfectly balanced sugar-to-acid ratio, highly rated by consumers.
• Healthy growth: Strong spring leaf growth before flowering enhances disease resistance.
• Very firm fruits with an attractive light blue color.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (University of Florida). Released in 2009, patented.
• Genetics: Cross of 'Sharpblue' x FL 90-3.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Very vigorous, with a unique semi-erect yet open habit.
• Structure: The open "leggy" structure allows for better air circulation and light penetration.
• Chill hours: Very low (100 – 150 hours), ideal for the warmest climates.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium-sized, average weight 1.6 – 1.8 g.
• Color: Attractive light blue.
• Quality: Very firm fruits with good shelf life.
• Flavor: Harmonious, sweet-tart, very refreshing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Diseases: High resistance due to robust early spring foliage.
• Risk: Due to very early flowering, there is a high risk of damage from late spring frosts.

Harvest and Usage

• Harvest time: Extremely early (simultaneously with the Primadonna variety).
• Usage: Superior market fruit for early summer sales and fresh consumption.