Author Topic: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.  (Read 29645 times)

countryboy1981

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #50 on: March 26, 2018, 07:33:41 PM »
Any you could spare?  I am located in Baldwin County also.

Viking Guy

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #51 on: March 27, 2018, 05:50:25 PM »
The cuttings haven't taken root yet.  Want me to half one?  Feel free to pm me your number.

Viking Guy

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #52 on: April 10, 2018, 08:52:50 AM »
Boy, do I have some great news!




Caesar

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #53 on: April 11, 2018, 11:16:45 PM »
Boy, do I have some great news!




I see that there is a picture, but I don't actually see it. What is it? Have the cuttings taken root?  :D

Edit: I think the problem's on my end. I'm not seeing pics in any thread.
« Last Edit: April 11, 2018, 11:20:27 PM by Caesar »

Viking Guy

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #54 on: April 12, 2018, 12:11:51 AM »
Boy, do I have some great news!

You may have to click them and expand.

Yes, they are budding out and taking root.




I see that there is a picture, but I don't actually see it. What is it? Have the cuttings taken root?  :D

Edit: I think the problem's on my end. I'm not seeing pics in any thread.

Viking Guy

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #55 on: April 27, 2018, 12:07:53 PM »
Anyone else not seeing the photos in the thread anymore?  I cannot see the original photos I posted of the host specimen.

Jct

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #56 on: April 27, 2018, 05:24:10 PM »
I cannot see them, I believe there is  forum-wide problem.  See the Tropical Fruit section on the thread.
LaVerne Manila Mango; Pixie Crunch, Honeycrisp & Gala Apple Trees; Violette De Bordeaux & Black Mission Fig; Santa Rosa Plum & Snow Queen Nectarine; Nagami Kumquat, Pixie Tangerine, Lemon, Australian Finger Lime & Washington Navel Citrus; White & Red Dragon Fruit; Miracle Berry Plant

zephian

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #57 on: April 27, 2018, 05:57:59 PM »
I cannot see them, I believe there is  forum-wide problem.  See the Tropical Fruit section on the thread.
I would love to see them, Viking could you modify your original post? You need to change the .org to .cc in the post image link.
-Kris

Viking Guy

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #58 on: April 27, 2018, 06:12:04 PM »
I cannot see them, I believe there is  forum-wide problem.  See the Tropical Fruit section on the thread.
I would love to see them, Viking could you modify your original post? You need to change the .org to .cc in the post image link.

I will try it from my computer when I leave work.  I can't even see their links from my cellular device.

Caesar

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #59 on: May 26, 2018, 01:10:32 AM »
Have the cuttings properly taken root? Are they available yet?  ;D

baccarat0809

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #60 on: May 30, 2018, 10:59:01 AM »
If its not too late to get in on this party i would love to try a few.  Longwood (Orlando) Florida area.

Viking Guy

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #61 on: June 10, 2018, 12:50:03 AM »
The cuttings shot out new growth, and looked great, then croaked after a month.  Upon inspection, not one single root.

Same results I got before.  Don't understand why I can root every other blueberry variety I have, but this one won't take.

I am going to try an air layer next and we will get this show on the road.  I am not yet giving up.  I am also going to gnab some of the root ball.  Truly appreciate everyone's patience. 

Bush2Beach

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #62 on: June 11, 2018, 11:53:40 PM »
Truly appreciate your efforts !

starch

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #63 on: June 12, 2018, 09:23:47 AM »
Seriously Adam, thanks for keeping us updated on this! I can only second Bush2Beach: we really appreciate all you effort with this!
- Mark

noochka1

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #64 on: June 12, 2018, 01:06:40 PM »
I would love to be involved in this :-)  Please let me know if there are available slots for 10b! 

Caesar

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #65 on: April 30, 2019, 12:59:39 AM »
Checking in for 2019! Any updates on the blueberry, Adam?  :D

forumfool

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #66 on: May 04, 2019, 09:55:49 AM »
Not sure what the ops bb is but you can graft onto this guy for a tree like blueberries. Somewhere on you tube is a video of a bunch of shb being grafted on at a university research planting

https://www.mailordernatives.com/vaccinium-arboreum-sparkleberry/

Caesar

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #67 on: May 11, 2019, 02:36:15 AM »
Not sure what the ops bb is but you can graft onto this guy for a tree like blueberries. Somewhere on you tube is a video of a bunch of shb being grafted on at a university research planting

https://www.mailordernatives.com/vaccinium-arboreum-sparkleberry/

How is it for fruit quality? I'll try anything once, but the arborescence of the "Blueberry Tree" from the thread isn't the main selling point for me (though it is a factor). It's the fact that it seems to be so resilient compared to other blueberries: low-chill, seemingly adaptable to multiple soil types, and productive to boot. It's an elite tree that may very well merit cultivar status. I'm really hoping Adam will release it soon, but the matter might not be in his hands. Time will tell.

SeaWalnut

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #68 on: May 11, 2019, 05:18:32 AM »

Caesar

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #69 on: January 24, 2020, 06:00:14 AM »
2020 is here! What news from the Blueberry Tree?  ;D

containerman

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #70 on: January 31, 2020, 09:37:08 AM »
THE BLUEBERRY SOUTHERN HIGHBUSH “TREE”

The Blueberry "Tree" that this article pertains to is currently understood to be one of a kind—as in existence.  Highbush varieties were often overlooked in the southern United States in favor of the smaller, clustering bush varieties which are easier to harvest.  The primary issue has been nematodes destroying highbush roots after a few years in native soils, and the berries being too widespread throughout the entire highbush, rather than in thick clusters.  One thing that was overlooked, however, was the amazing flavor of these high bushes as well as the ability to create edible hedges with them. 

Not much effort was placed in creating a commercially driven southern highbush variety that held its own, and the selections have been few and far between—more accurately, non-existent.  With popular demand growing amongst home owners, and more varieties becoming widely available within online ordering, there is now a stronger demand than ever for a southern highbush blueberry that holds its own for the consumer wanting something greater and unique. Container grown blueberries are becoming a hassle, and continued failure planting them in the ground has tested the patience of most.

Now, we have the hidden king of Highbush Blueberries we'd like to introduce that gives the best of many worlds for all of us in warmer climates.  What makes this variety noteworthy?  In no particular order:

*  History:  This lone remaining specimen in was created by a fruit farming couple from seed more than two centuries ago in Georgia, and was transplanted to Defuniak Springs, Florida, where it continued to thrive in their family under strong protection. Once the remaining elderly farmers passed away, the land was finally passed to the last family fruit farmer who collected all ten of the remaining high bushes on the property and brought them to Fairhope, Alabama, to add to his own fruit orchard collection.  He successfully continued propagating them until he had a large row on his property, and was very protective of the bushes and would only share the berries with a select few people after jarring them.  He told relatives that his primary use for the berries besides preserving and eating was composting—swearing the berries added something to the compost that greatly benefitted his fruit and vegetable harvests.  In his elderly age, he awarded his caregiver with one of the blueberry trees (considered to him "a big deal" as the war veteran he was).  After he passed, his farmland sold into a subdivision, and the developers cut down, killed and burned every rare and heirloom fruit tree on his property he spent the latter part of his life developing.  The only remaining blueberry highbush from this heirloom variety happens to be the lone survivor planted in Foley, Alabama—continuing to thrive unto this day.

*  Superior Taste & Texture Quality:  Perfect mix of sweet and tartness; thin and dry skin (non-mushy; bruise resistant); few very tiny and unnoticeable seeds; extremely juicy and smooth.  This blueberry has a very long shelf-life and is fruit-fly resistant.  Can be left on the counter, preserved, refrigerated and frozen—eaten raw or frozen, and is great for cooking in pancakes, deserts, etc.  I have made it a point to bring these blueberries to every fresh market and nursery within approximately 50 miles to have taste tests against the most popular varieties.  Not only have these blueberries totally smashed other berries against a variety of palates for many ethnic groups, many of the people became immediately interested in how to obtain the bush for themselves—some almost aggressively so.  They are by far the smoothest, juiciest and best tasting blueberry I’ve ever placed in my mouth—almost a berry unto itself.

 *  Self-Pollinating; Self-Fertile:  While I am positive having more than one would increase fruit set, the only fluctuation in fruiting patterns I have seen is the berries are more dense 2 years straight, and then a growth season where there is more foliage and about 1/3 of the fruits that set drop off on the 3rd year.  That said, a 2/3 harvest from this single specimen every 3 years is still way beyond the amount of blueberries an average family could consume—that includes freezing or jarring them for later use—as most will end up just given away.  I have also verified that the seeds will germinate in shade, but none of the seedlings are old enough to produce—so I am not sure whether or not the seedling fruit is true to the parent.  I will find out once the first seedling fruits develop in the near future—they are currently in their 4th year since sprouting.

*  Staggered Ripening:  One wonderful thing I love is that not all berries ripen at the same time.  Once berries are able to be harvested, they will continue to develop and ripen for nearly 2 months and provide a prolonged season of edible fruits—big bonus for home growers.

*  Weather, Sun & Chill Requirements:  The Blueberry is planted in a very odd zone in Foley, AL.  While smack in the middle of an 8b area, there are geographical anomalies creating a micro-climate hot spot, and the central Foley climate replicates conditions similar to 9b, Orlando, Florida.  There are high winds, high humidity, high heat and mild winters which sometimes, but rarely, drop as low as 25F.  The weather goes from drought to flooding in the worst of ways, back and forth, throughout the entire summer.  This blueberry highbush shows no stress during any of these conditions.   I would conclude that it can thrive between zones 5-11 based on my observations, but we will need to test this further for clarification to determine the full extremes of its tolerances.  The Blueberry has also endured mild winters in the past without any form of freezing, and the harvest was not hindered.  I am not for certain that more than 100, if any, chill hours are required for fruit set.  Leaves will drop in conditions under 28F, but flowers will still bloom in spring even if they don’t.  Half of the Blueberry “Tree” grows in direct sun, while the lower canopy grows in filtered light or shade, and there seems to be no difference in behavior of the plant—definitely both sun and shade tolerant.

*  Resistances:  So far, no form of soil condition or nematode has affected the root system of this variety from Georgia to Florida—growing without any care, fertilizer, preventives or supplements.  Even in the most humid of weather, along with flooding, there seems to be no disease-prone branches, trunks or root rot—even when roots are submerged for greater than 10 days.  Rust spots will occasionally form on lower canopy leaves close to the ground.  No pests of any kind have been observed attacking leaves or fruit during any phase of the growth or ripening season.  Flooding has not caused any bark or fruit to split.  Other than occasional rust spots on leaves, no attacking virus, fungi, mildew or mold were discovered.

*  Growth & Behavior:  Blueberries do not form in large clusters, but rather, over the entire tree—so picking fruit can be a chore at times.  The variety has a vertical growth pattern, and has grown as tall as 18 feet at its highest point, but averages a height of 12 feet.  Due to the branches weeping (especially when holding fruit), the bush will grow at least half as wide as it does tall, so space must be given to accommodate the branching.  Once a branch sets fruit and weeps, a water sprout will develop at the arch and create new vertical growth—which will also eventually set fruit and weep as well and develop a new water sprout head of its own.  The lower weeping portions then become mature branches on the primary trunks.  New canes will emerge from the base and roots—thickening the central canopy in similar fashion to Nandinas and Pomegranates, and can be hedged and trained exactly the same way.  This variety can be successfully trained without suckers, however, into a tree if desired.

*  Pruning & Propagation:  Pruning in general is limited to dead and damaged branches, although it can be hedged or kept as a tree.  Since it is shade and moisture tolerant, there does not seem to be any need to remove suckers, sprouts, or inward facing branches to promote wind and light inside the canopy.  If left to grow naturally, it will produce a weeping behavior, and occasionally the lowest branches near the ground will die off.  So far, all efforts to propagate via rooting branches of various ages have failed.  Grafting scions has been successful, and air layering still needs to be tested.  So far, the easiest method of propagation has been cutting a newly formed cane emerging off a root runner, and as long as even a single root is attached to the cane, it will successfully take.  However, all rootings done in this fashion must be done in winter or early spring and in the shade; as all attempts in even partial sun or shade in the summertime has failed—even if healthy roots were involved.  There is a strong potential that this variety can also act as a Rootstock for other highly sought after highbush varieties which cannot sink their roots in the south.  So far, the seedlings have taken well to potted culture, but I cannot yet make guarantees that a full grown version of this variety will take well to potting practices at maturity.  Future testing will hopefully yield good results.

DOCUMENTARY PROJECT:  BLUEBERRY TREE

With these items noted, the documentary and photos will follow as time progresses.  Some details may change or be updated in time as we discover the unbiased strengths and weaknesses of this unique blueberry variety.

Visual Characteristics

Berries are large (dime to nickel sized), purple-grey hued, and oval shaped.



Leaves and branches follow a similar step-ladder pattern.  Branches will grow tall, fruit and weep, then new vertical growth begins in the form of water sprouts on the arch making central leaders on each cane—which eventually become fruiting and weeping branches as well.  Notice the very minor rust spots on some of the leaves.




The trunks and canes grow tall and leggy at first with green skin, and then develop flaky bark texture upon maturity.  All growth is vertical until weighed down with fruit.  New canes appear off both the lower trunks and on root runners as far away from the primary trunk as 24 inches.



Canopy dieback seems limited to only the lowest branches near the ground which have produced heavily over the years.  Once every few years, a lower branch will die and need to be pruned.


Fruiting takes place in multiple spreads of smaller irregular clusters. 



Our 2015 Documentary Progression on the Blueberry “Tree”

Our TTF photo documentary began on March 8, 2015.  In our first observations, we see the flowers turning the entire bush into a snowy white cotton ball from a distance.

March 8, 2015 – Flowering
Flowers arranged randomly, yet densely, throughout.



March 29, 2015 – Fruit Set
You’ll find that most flowers set fruit, although there was a little drop off and failures present.




April 18, 2015 – Fruit Growth
Fruit begins swelling during mid-April.




May 1, 2015 – Fruit and Leaf Development
You’ll find that the now green fruit is starting to obtain minor reddening once May arrives, and the leaves are in full flush and seem to have warded off the earlier seen rust spots seen back in early March—yet, some have started yellowing on the edges—most likely due to there being no rain since an early April flood.




A list has been created for zones the Blueberry should be tested in, and people wishing to obtain this for themselves and put it to the test are welcomed to list their desire to do so here, along with their zones, and I will keep track of it on the listing.  Once available, these will be the first to receive the propagated puppies.  I will also be in need of scions of other desirable highbush varieties in order to test this highbush’s potential for use as a rootstock.

This article will now resume receiving new updates, and due to my "status change" posted later in the thread, hopefully the updates will be good ones soon.

Latest Update Version:  20161213

I'm in 9b Central Valley of California and have 15 varieties of highbush blueberries growing in 1/2 wine barrel containers. I would love to participate in this if I can. They are one of my favorites to grow.

BPDUKE

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #71 on: February 21, 2020, 11:35:32 AM »
Any further information on this Blueberry.  I would be willing to purchase a few if anyone has some available.

Caesar

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #72 on: February 10, 2021, 05:11:47 PM »
Any news of the Blueberry Tree?

I’ve heard blueberry cuttings are hard to root unless you have a misting system on the root end.

Tropical Bay Area

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #73 on: February 10, 2021, 06:07:24 PM »
Definitely some good news!
Cheers!

Galatians522

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Re: The Official "Blueberry Tree" thread.
« Reply #74 on: February 10, 2021, 11:10:06 PM »
This is a fascinating bluberry plant. We grew low chill southern high bush bluberries for many years (starting with the original Sharpe Blue), but none of them were like this. Actually, I highly suspect that this is a Rabbit Eye blueberry. There are three kinds of blueberries to my knowledge. Low bush blueberries grow low to the ground and you typically have to stoop down to pick them (typically 2' tall or so?). High bush blueberries are big bush sized and can be picked standing up most of the time (ours ranged from 3' on up to 8' if they were not pruned). Rabbit Eye blueberries are the "blueberry trees" and can grow as tall as 20' from what I have been told. They were also the only bluberry that was commonly grown in the south 100+ years ago. Southern high bush blueberries are actually a complex hybrid involving several species of blueberry with vastly different chromosome levels that came about as a result of the work of Ralph Sharpe at the University of Florida in the 1960s? (I forget exactly).