What's New and Exciting?
There has been tremendous interest in planting the new MSU varieties of ‘Aurora’, ‘Liberty’, and ‘Draper’. Our own plantings have grown well and we are looking forward to a first harvest summer 2008. As more plantings are being put in around the country, I am hoping to get grower feedback.
It appears that both ‘Aurora’ and ‘Liberty’ are not as self fertile as ‘Elliott’ and ‘Bluecrop’. Therefore another variety that blooms in that time frame will be needed for better cross pollination. A good new cultivar to use as a pollinator is ‘Legacy’.
‘Legacy’ is a Northern Highbush, Southern highbush cross. This blueberry is surprisingly hardy here in Michigan. ‘Legacy’ is very productive with an excellent quality berry. If you planting ‘Aurora’ and ‘Liberty’ make sure you contact us about pollinators.
I have been extremely impressed with ‘Toro’ the past two seasons. This midseason ripening cultivar has had impressive yields with very large, and a great quality berry. ‘Toro’ is a great alternative to ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Blueray’. A grower reported in Central Wisconsin that ‘Toro’ was more winter hardy than ‘Bluecrop’.
