Emerald Blueberry Plant Information (U.S. Plant Patent 12165)
Quick Facts
- Early Ripening
- Bush is vigorous and spreading
- Fruit is very large, firm, medium blue, with excellent flavor and a small scar
'Emerald' was released as a patented variety by the University of Florida in1999, and is currently one of the more widely planted varieties in north-central Florida and appears to be adapted from Gainesville to Sebring. Emerald combines a vigorous, upright, bush with high yield potential, early ripening, and large, high-quality berries.
Emerald flowers open uniformly, and it produces abundant leaves even after mild winters in Gainesville. Because the plant is highly vigorous when planted on suitable soils, Emerald is capable of carrying heavy crops.
Emerald normally reaches full bloom about March 15, and overhead irrigation is needed to protect flowers and fruit from freezes in February and March.
First harvest occurs a few days earlier for Emerald than for Sharpblue and Star in Florida. About 80% of the fruit of Emerald is normally ripe between April 15 and May 10.
Emerald Blueberry is USA Patent Protected - Unlicensed Propagation is Prohibited by Law