Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) BLUEGOLD

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) 'Bluegold'

Record-breaking shelf life and massive yields on a compact shrub – the ideal choice for small gardens and container growing.

The 'Bluegold' variety is a true masterpiece of American breeding. It is a highly productive, mid-season blueberry that proves massive harvests don't require massive space. Despite its lower and more compact stature, it can produce the same volume of fruit as much larger varieties. Its absolute standout features are the record-breaking shelf life of its berries and extreme frost hardiness, making it one of the most advantageous and reliable varieties on the market.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Huge Productivity: A compact shrub yields an impressive 4 to 7 kg of fruit.
• Record Shelf Life: Thanks to a small, dry stem scar, berries stay fresh in the refrigerator for an unusually long time.
• Compact Growth: Reaches only about 120 cm in height, perfect for small gardens and patios.
• Extreme Frost Hardiness: Withstands temperatures down to -34 °C (-30 °F) without damage.
• Great for Freezing: Berries maintain their firm and crunchy texture even after thawing.
• Self-fertile with high disease resistance.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: USA (developed by USDA-ARS). Breeder: Arlen Draper (1989).
• Crossing: A complex hybrid of 'Bluehaven' × 'Me-US 5' (includes 'Bluecrop' and 'Ashworth' genetics).

Variety Characteristics

Shrub and Growth

• Vigor and Habit: Vigorous but remains compact and low (max 120 cm). It tends to form a dense, rounded shape with many shoots.
• Flowering: Blooms in May with creamy white, bell-shaped flowers.
• Pollination: The variety is self-fertile. However, cross-pollination with another variety is recommended to improve fruit quality and size.

Fruit

• Size and Color: Medium-sized, very uniform berries of light blue color with a distinct waxy bloom.
• Quality: Berries have a small and dry stem scar, which is a key factor for their exceptional storability.
• Flavor: Excellent and harmoniously sweet. Note: The berries turn blue very early, but for full sweetness, they must be left on the bush to ripen for a few days longer.

Resilience and Requirements

• Frost: Extremely hardy, handling temperatures down to -34 °C (-30 °F).
• Diseases: Shows excellent general resistance to most common blueberry pathogens.
• Soil: Adapts well to various soil types, provided sufficient acidity and moisture are maintained.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pruning: Due to heavy branching, regular thinning is essential (especially the center of the bush) to ensure sunlight reaches the fruit and maintains quality.
• Container Growing: Due to its compact size, it is one of the best varieties for growing in large containers on terraces and balconies.

Harvest and Yield

• Harvest Time: Mid-season variety. Ripens gradually starting from the second half of July.
• Yield: Very high and stable. A mature shrub produces an average of 4 – 7 kg of fruit.