Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) CHAUCER

Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) 'Chaucer'

Highly productive Rabbiteye variety intended primarily for Pick-Your-Own.

'Chaucer' is an older variety from the University of Florida, released in 1985. It is known for its vitality and high productivity, making it popular especially on farms with a Pick-Your-Own system. Although it offers tasty fruits, its commercial use is limited by a specific trait – a wet stem scar, which reduces the shelf life of the fruit.

Key Highlights:

• High yield: Very productive variety.
• Vigorous growth: Vital bush with a spreading habit.
• Good taste: Fruits are tasty, suitable for fresh consumption.
• Low chill requirement: Requires only 350 – 400 chill hours.
• Ideal for home gardens and local sales.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (University of Florida). Released in 1985.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Vital, vigorous, spreading.
• Chill hours: Low (350 – 400 hours). In cooler regions, there is a risk of early flowering and damage by spring frosts.

Fruit

• Size: Medium-sized.
• Color: Light blue.
• Quality: Fruits have a wet picking scar, which reduces their storage life.
• Taste: Good.

Resistance and Requirements

• Pollination: The variety is self-sterile. It requires a pollinator of another Rabbiteye variety.
• Climate: Suitable for warmer regions. Risky in cold areas due to early flowering.

Harvest and Usage

• Usage: Primarily intended for Pick-Your-Own and fresh consumption.
• Limitations: Due to the wet scar, it is not suitable for mechanical harvesting or long-distance transport.