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 Legacy Southern Highbush Blueberry:
Origin: 'Legacy' is a Southern Highbush blueberry cultivar (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) developed through a cross of 'Elizabeth' x US 75 ('Florida 4B' x 'Bluecrop') made at Beltsville, Maryland by A.D. Draper. It was selected in 1976 in Weymouth, New Jersey, and released by the USDA-ARS and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station in 1993. It was bred for its adaptability to warmer climates, late mid-season ripening, high yields, and excellent fruit quality.
Patent Status: 'Legacy' was released in 1993, prior to the era of widespread plant patenting for fruit cultivars, especially those developed by public institutions.'Legacy' Southern Highbush Blueberry was either never patented, or the patent expired, and it is now considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, firm, light blue berries with a very sweet and flavorful taste, often rated as one of the best-flavored Southern Highbush varieties.It is known for its exceptionally heavy and consistent yields once the plants are established.The berries have a small scar and good post-harvest handling potential.
Ripening Time: 'Legacy' is a late mid-season ripening Southern Highbush blueberry, typically maturing after 'Bluecrop' and extending the harvest season. In many areas, it ripens in late July and August. It has an extended harvest season, often lasting for about five weeks.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Legacy' is a vigorous, upright-growing shrub that can reach a mature height of 5 to 6 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet.It has attractive, glossy dark green foliage that turns bright orange in the fall, often holding its leaves through most of the winter in warmer climates.
Flowers: Produces white, bell-shaped flowers in clusters during the spring. It has a moderate to high chill requirement compared to some other Southern Highbush varieties (around 800-1000 chill hours).
Hardiness: 'Legacy' is well-suited for USDA Zones 5 through 8, showing good adaptability to low, mid, and high chill areas where winters are not too severe.
Pollination: While 'Legacy' is considered partially self-fertile, planting with another late-season Northern or Southern Highbush variety can increase yield and berry size. Suitable pollinizers include 'Elliott', 'Calypso', 'Osorno', 'Desoto', and 'Columbus'.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production.
Soil: Prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 that is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Watering:Needs consistent moisture, especially during establishment, flowering, and fruit development.
Fertilizing: Benefits from fertilization in early spring with an acid-forming fertilizer specifically formulated for blueberries.
Pruning: Should be pruned annually in late winter, focusing on removing older, less productive canes and maintaining an open shape. Due to its tendency to retain leaves in warmer areas, pruning approaches may need to be adjusted.
Uses: The sweet and flavorful berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Baking
Freezing
Commercial production due to its high yields and good fruit quality.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds.
Ornamental Value: 'Legacy' offers year-round interest with its spring flowers, attractive summer foliage, delicious berries, and vibrant orange fall color. Its upright habit makes it suitable for various landscape uses.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Legacy' shows good resistance to stem canker and has good overall plant health.
