Blueberry Varieties, Matched to Your Climate
Not all blueberries are alike. Every variety has a chilling requirement,the amount of winter cold it needs before it can grow and fruit normally, and this is what determines which regions and climates it thrives in. Here’s an overview of the four main types we grow at Multibaies.
High Chill
The High Chill Blueberry is also called Northern Highbush. It is traditionally a straight Vaccinium corymbosum, native to the northern states of the United States and Canada. This species was first selected in the early 20th century by breeding pioneers Elisabeth White and Frederic Coville.
Today, most recent varieties contain some interspecific genes responsible for added firmness and shelf life.
The chilling requirement* of Northern Highbush is over 1000 hours. These varieties generally perform well in oceanic, temperate and continental climates.
Mid-Chill
The Mid-Chill Highbush Blueberry is an interspecific hybrid with an intermediate chilling requirement*.
Its cold hardiness is usually lower than that of traditional Northern Highbush, but other desirable traits, such as superior firmness or higher yield potential, are usually present.
Low Chill
The Low to Zero Chill Blueberry, also known as Southern Highbush, is an interspecific hybrid originally developed by the University of Florida, with the aim of growing blueberries at lower latitudes and extending the window of fresh blueberry availability. Over time, breeders found that genes responsible for firmness, shelf life and Brix were often linked to the desired low-chilling traits. Some varieties have no chilling requirement at all* and can be grown in tropical to subtropical regions; others retain some chilling requirement and perform well in a Mediterranean climate. Southern Highbush bushes are usually pruned back severely after harvest, so that the following year’s yield is carried entirely on annual canes.
Rabbiteye
This cousin of the traditional Northern Highbush (Vaccinium virgatum, syn. Vaccinium ashei) is native to the southern United States, with naturally low chilling requirements and limited cold hardiness. Most Rabbiteye varieties ripen late, offering the economic advantage of off-season production (September/October in the Northern Hemisphere) in regions where fruit can ripen without exposure to severe winter frosts.
*Expressed in hours, the chilling requirement determines the amount of cold temperature a variety needs to fulfil its dormancy before it can resume normal growth. The “vegetative zero” is commonly accepted to be between 7 and 8°C. The number and consistency of hours below this temperature determine how much chilling is available in a given region.
Our Products
Filter plants
Plant sizes
We sell our plants according to root volume because this is the most relevant criterion for assessing the quality of plants. In contrast, a plant’s age is of little relevance. Plants of equal quality can vary greatly in age depending on the place of production, the method of propagation, and on many other reasons.
Rooted plugs – 96trays-55cc or 54trays-87cc
For Nurseries
Our vegetal material originates from mother micro plants that produce a large quantity of homogeneous and vigorous micro cuttings. From a cutting re-potted in June, a 1 litre plant can easily be obtained in the same year (in Angers, France).
9 cm diam pot
For Fruits Growers
For the Blueberry grower, it is the first Plant size dedicated to direct planting into soil. P9 offers a quick start leading to homogeneous plantings. For the longue distance export, shipping cost remain under control. P9 are particularly interesting in climatic zones where the growing season is extended.
For Nurseries
Destined for nursery gardeners, the P9 can be re-potted in containers of 2 or 3 litres.
For mail-order nurseries, this ready-to-plant product offers an economic solution thanks to its small size and weight.
1 litre pot
For Fruits Growers
Our best-selling format. Particularly suitable for shipping by road. We can load up to 26,000 plants per lorry. Cost of transportation is limited. Can be harvested in the second year after planting. Plants are shipped during their dormancy period.
1 litre plant (11 x 11 x 12 cm)
For Nurseries
Is a finished plant that can be resold directly, or re-potted in a larger container (>4 litres).
2 liter pot
For Fruits Growers
This format of plant offers a greater root volume. This ensures successful planting and reduces the time to harvest. This is especially true in parts of northern Europe where the vegetative growth period is short.
For Nurseries
Destined essentially for resale and for professionals not wishing to grow plants themselves because of the specific needs of Ericaceae. Ideal for fruit farmers wishing to produce a small-fruit range. Please contact us for custom developments.
4 liter pot
For Fruits Growers
This format can produce quickly, or under tunnels where overheads are high. We generally stock a more limited quantity of this format, which is why we offer custom production.
For Nurseries
This is a finished plant destined for a premium clientele. Outside of custom orders, our stocks are generally quite limited.
