Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) ELIOT

Northern Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) 'Eliot'

Standard late variety with superior shelf life and high frost resistance.

'Eliot' (often spelled 'Elliott') is one of the latest and most reliable blueberry varieties on the market. It is highly valued by commercial growers and home gardeners alike for its ability to extend the fresh fruit season well into autumn. It is characterized by exceptional yields and berries that are world-class in terms of firmness and suitability for long-term storage. The bush grows vigorously and upright, facilitating both maintenance and harvesting.

Key Highlights:

• Very late harvest: Ripens in September, closing the season.
• Excellent shelf life: Berries stay fresh for a very long time.
• High frost resistance: Outstanding resistance to both winter and late spring frosts.
• Suitable for mechanization: Firm fruits allow for mechanical harvesting.
• High and consistent productivity.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: USA (released in 1948/1973).

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Strong, upright, and vigorous.
• Height: Can reach up to 200 cm under ideal conditions.
• Habit: Forms a dense, well-structured bush that is also ornamental in autumn.

Fruit

• Size: Medium to large berries.
• Color and Quality: Light blue with a heavy waxy bloom. Fruits are very firm and high quality.
• Flavor: Exceptional, sweet with a mild tang (flavor fully develops when completely ripe).
• Usage: Ideal for fresh consumption, freezing, and industrial processing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: High frost hardiness (down to -30 °C).
• Soil: Requires acidic, well-drained, and humus-rich soil with regular irrigation.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-fertile, but planting with another late variety will increase yields.
• Pruning: Requires regular pruning to maintain fruit size and thin the canopy.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late variety, ripening during September.
• Storage: One of the best-storing varieties available.