These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
2 year old plants, 16-20 inches tall. 1 Liter container.
Key Characteristics of Blue Ribbon Blueberry:
Origin: 'Blue Ribbon' is a Northern Highbush blueberry cultivar (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) bred in Lowell, Oregon in 2005 by Fall Creek Farm and Nursery. It originated from a controlled cross-pollination in 2002 of 'G344' (unpatented) as the pollen parent and 'Toro' (unpatented) as the female parent. It was selected in 2005 and has been in trials since 2008.
Patent Status: 'Blue Ribbon' Blueberry is protected by U.S. Plant Patent PP24,636, granted to Fall Creek Farm and Nursery Inc. on 2014-07-15 and expiring on 2032-08-21. This patent restricts unauthorized asexual reproduction, including propagation, and sale of the cultivar.
Berry Production: Produces large (average 2.4g), firm berries with exceptional sweet flavor and a crisp texture. It is known for high yields of excellent quality fruit with good post-harvest shelf life.
Ripening Time: 'Blue Ribbon' is an early to mid-season variety, ripening after 'Duke' but before 'Draper'. The mean harvest date in Oregon trials was around July 21st, with the last pick around August 22nd.
Plant Size and Appearance: The plant is medium in size, reaching an average height of 34 inches and a canopy diameter of 41 inches on 3-year-old plants. It has a vigorous, semi-upright to spreading growth habit with long, arching branches and low twigginess and suckering. It is semi-deciduous in Oregon.
Flowers: Produces white flowers with a faint sweet fragrance in an alternate arrangement.
Hardiness: 'Blue Ribbon' is considered hardy in USDA Zones 4-7 and has a chilling requirement of approximately 800-1000 hours.
Pollination: While some sources indicate it may not require a pollinator, others suggest cross-pollination with another early-mid spring blooming blueberry variety can yield more fruit.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 8 hours per day recommended).
Soil: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 5.5 and high organic matter. Amend soil with sulfur, peat moss, and compost as needed.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruit development. Avoid drought stress.
Fertilizing: Use an acid-forming fertilizer formulated for blueberries in early spring and again in late spring, being careful not to over-fertilize.
Pruning: Prune after the leaves have dropped in the fall or in late winter/early spring, removing dead, damaged, crossing branches, and thinning out weaker growth.
Uses: Primarily intended for the fresh, hand-picking market due to its large size, exceptional flavor, and crispness.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds. Bird netting may be necessary to protect the crop.
Ornamental Value: Blueberries offer flowers in the spring, colorful berries, good foliage, and striking autumn color.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Blue Ribbon' does not appear to be overly susceptible to root rot, Phomopsis twig blight, bacterial cane canker, Botrytis blight, or leaf spot in trials. Susceptibility to stem blight and Botryosphaeria stem canker is undetermined.
Yield: In Oregon trials, 2-year-old plants yielded an average of 8.26 lbs per plant, and 3-year-old plants yielded 6.88 lbs per plant.
