Blueberry plant named ‘Jewel’

Abstract

A new and distinct low-chill tetraploid highbush blueberry (Vacinnium) variety of complex ancestry, based largely on V. corymbosum L with some genes from V. darrowi Camp. Its novelty consists of the following unique combination of features: 1. Produces a bush that is upright, but somewhat spreading. 2. Has a medium level of resistance to cane canker ( Botryosphaeria corticis ), stem blight ( Botryosphaeria dothidia ), and root rot ( Phytophthora cinnamomi ). 3. Flowers very early in north central Florida (Gainesville). Date of full bloom in Gainesville averages about February 10, seven days before ‘Sharpblue’ (an unpatented variety that is widely grown in Florida). 4. Produces numerous flower buds and flowers heavily and synchronously in areas that receive 250 hours or more of temperatures below 45° F. per winter. 5. Ripens 5-7 days earlier than ‘Sharpblue’. First commercial harvest averages April 15 in Gainesville, Fla., and peak harvest is about April 25. 6. Produces fruit that are large, firm, have a good picking scar, with tart to sweet flavor and good texture. 7. Can be propagated asexually by softwood cuttings.

We claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct southern highbush blueberry variety as illustrated and described, characterized by a low chilling requirement and early season ripening, which produces large fruit of high fresh-market quality.