The development over half a century ago of blueberries adapted to Georgia resulted in Georgia becoming one of the top producers of blueberries in the country. The University of Georgia itself has been breeding blueberries since the 1940’s and has released dozens of varieties since then.
Of the varieties released by UGA, the standout is Suziblue, created by Dr. Scott NeSmith, now emeritus professor of Horticulture. Since its release in 2010, 6.9 million Suziblue bushes have been sold around the world—accounting for 35% of all UGA-developed blueberry plants sold. Based on the planting density of 1,000 bushes per acre, it translates to 6,900 acres planted!
Suziblue is an early season southern highbush blueberry. It ripens between late April to early May in Southeast Georgia and makes to the fresh fruit market during the early premium price window. Suziblue blueberries have excellent flavor and firmness. Suziblue is self-fertile and easy to propagate through softwood cuttings.
Suziblue’s adaptability and outstanding qualities come from its complex genetic makeup, consisting of multiple blueberry species, including V. corymbosum, V. darrowii and V. virgatum. Given such a heritage, consumers will continue to enjoy its rich flavor, pleasant taste and health-promoting phytochemicals from the fresh fruit market for years to come.
Of the varieties released by UGA, the standout is Suziblue, created by Dr. Scott NeSmith, now emeritus professor of Horticulture. Since its release in 2010, 6.9 million Suziblue bushes have been sold around the world—accounting for 35% of all UGA-developed blueberry plants sold. Based on the planting density of 1,000 bushes per acre, it translates to 6,900 acres planted!
Suziblue is an early season southern highbush blueberry. It ripens between late April to early May in Southeast Georgia and makes to the fresh fruit market during the early premium price window. Suziblue blueberries have excellent flavor and firmness. Suziblue is self-fertile and easy to propagate through softwood cuttings.
Suziblue’s adaptability and outstanding qualities come from its complex genetic makeup, consisting of multiple blueberry species, including V. corymbosum, V. darrowii and V. virgatum. Given such a heritage, consumers will continue to enjoy its rich flavor, pleasant taste and health-promoting phytochemicals from the fresh fruit market for years to come.
