Premier

Origin:  North Carolina State University

1. An early to mid-season flowering Rabbiteye cultivar. Plant one or more of these cultivars to obtain the optimum fruit set; Climax, Prince, Prolific, or Pink Lemonade.
2. The height of a mature bush is 6-10 feet, tall and upright.
3. Ripening date is May 28 at Gainesville, Florida.
4. Yields of 8-16 pounds per bush can be expected on well-kept, irrigated plantings.
5. Fruit size is large with 75-80 berries per standard cup.
6. Berry quality is very good and it stores very well.
7. Harvesting is done by hand but the bush is adapted for mechanical harvest.
8. Marketing should be focused on early U-Pick, commercial fresh market or processed.
9. Ornamental use is good; the bright green foliage during the summer make the bush stand out. Premier seems to fruit some years without a pollinator, but never plant without a pollinator for commercial yields. Hardiness Zones 9a-7b.