Preliminary Yields of Southern Highbush Blueberry in Waimea, Hawai‘i

Abstract

The purpose of this publication is to provide a preliminary report on a trial planting of blueberry cultivars in Waimea, Hawaii. The six southern highbush blueberry cultivars tested were Biloxi, Emerald, Jewel, Misty, Sapphire,and Sharpblue; these are complex hybrids between northern highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum , and southern Vaccinium species, such as V. darrowii. Based on this preliminary trial, Biloxi, Emerald, Sharpblue, and Sapphire grew well and produced good yields of quality berries at the Mealani Research Station. Plants of Jewel were the most vigorous and robust but the least productive during this early phase of crop development. It should be noted that this is a research trial and the methods used may not necessarily reflect recommended practices.