Description
DESOTO BLUEBERRY
Vaccinium ashei
Origin: USDA/ARS
Late flowering Rabbiteye cultivar. Plant one or more of these cultivars to obtain the optimum fruit set; Powderblue, Onslow, Columbus, Tifblue. The plants are vigorous and will grow to a manageable height of 6 feet tall and mostly upright.
The fruits ripen very late in the season occurring 10-14 days after Powderblue. Yields are high and consistent in test plantings averaging 12 and more pounds per plant. Fruit size is medium to large and have excellent firmness. The flavor is sweet with a hint of the typical blueberry acidity. The berries light blue color and sizes are eye appealing in the fresh
markets.
Harvesting can be accomplished by mechanical methods because of the berry firmness. Marketing would be geared to fresh markets and local markets or U-Picks who desire local fresh fruits for a longer period. The fruits are latest in ripening compared to all Rabbiteye cultivars. The bush is manageable with the shorter stature growth habit which will enhance a U-Pick farm or home garden. Hardiness Zones 6-9.
Care Info
- Plant Type:Tall growing 6 to 15 feet at maturity. Deciduous, almost evergreen in the deep south.
- pH Requirements:4.0 - 5.5
- Soil Type:Well drained sandy and sandy loam
- Light Requirements:Full to filtered sun
- Plant Rows Spacing:4 - 6 feet
- Plant Aisle Spacing:6 - 12 feet
- Canes per year:1 to 4
- Mulching:Beneficial, but not necessary
- USDA Zones:8 - 10
- Scientific Name:Vaccinium ashei
