Vaccinium corymbosum SWEETHEART

Bred in 1999, launched in 2010.

An everbearing blueberry variety (repeats its fruiting!).

Develops an elevated habit, becomes up to 1.5 m high and 1m across.

Self-pollinating but cross-pollination improves the quality and size of its fruits.

Produces medium size, navy blue berries covered with a waxy bloom; they are nice, firm and crunchy, and boast exceptional flavour even after keeping them for long; recommended for the fresh-fruit market, deep-freezing, good for making jams and jellies, can be added to yoghurts.

One bush gives a crop of 6.5 kg; the first yield can be harvested in late spring or early summer (about mid-June); it blooms again weather permitting and gives another smaller crop at the end of summer when most berry plants have already stopped fruiting.

Requires at least 750-800 hours in dormancy to produce good crops next season.

Cold hardy down to –24°C (USDA – zone 5); some initial research studies suggest that Sweetheart can also do well in zones colder than zone 5.