Blueberry Elliot (Elliot)

Elliot blueberry (Elliot) belongs to the group of tall Canadian varieties, bred in 1948 by US Department of Agriculture breeders as a result of hybridization of seedlings Burlington × (Dixi × Jersey × Pioneer). The variety is intended for cultivation on an industrial scale, but is also suitable for private gardening.

Variety advantages:

• high yield;
• frost resistance;
• large tasty berries;
• can be harvested mechanically.

Variety Features

Plant powerful, upright, 1.6-2 meters in height. The bush is moderately spreading. The shoots are strong elastic, do not need a garter. The leaves are green, narrowed-oval. The surface of the leaf plate is smooth with a blue tint. The flowers are cream, collected in brushes.

Fruits of medium size, 11-15 mm in diameter. Ripe berry peel – intense blue color with a bluish bloom, durable, does not crack during collection and transportation. Pulp – jelly, thick, aromatic. Taste – sweet and sour, refreshing.

Elliot blueberries are distinguished by their long fresh shelf life, resistance to transportation and resistance to mechanized berry picking. Therefore, the variety is ideal for growing on an industrial scale, for sale.

Purpose of the variety: fresh consumption, cooking, processing, freezing.

Productivity and ripening terms. Elliot belongs to high-yielding varieties, 6-8 kg of berries are harvested from one adult bush per season (in the fourth and subsequent years of fruiting). From 2-3 year old bushes – 2-2.5 kg.

The ripening period of blueberries – late, friendly The main harvest takes place at the end of August – September (depending on the growing region).

Immunity. Elliot is immune to moniliosis, while being prone to chlorosis, septoria, gray rot, fruit mummification. Of the insects, aphids and flower beetles can cause the greatest harm to the plant. Preventive spring treatment and proper care will help protect blueberries from diseases and pests.

Growing conditions. Blueberry Elliot, like many North American varieties, is highly frost-resistant. Bushes can winter without shelter at temperatures up to – 26 °C. In regions with more severe winters, plants are covered for the winter.

For blueberries, you need a light acidic or slightly acidic soil (pH 3.5 & ndash; 5.0) with the addition of sand, peat, needles. Planting Elliot next to other blueberry varieties for cross-pollination will increase the yield of the variety several times and speed up the ripening of berries.

Selection of seedlings

Before you buy Elliot blueberry seedlings, pay attention to the quality of the planting material.

• The age of suitable seedlings is 2-3 years,
• The root system – developed, moist, without breaks. Preferably closed type (with a clod of earth).
• Shoots "live" without dryness, damage and signs of disease.

Beware of fakes and contaminated planting material, buy blueberry seedlings «Elliot» in professional nurseries and specialized stores.