The Classic American Blueberry: Bluecrop
It premiered in 1934 and remains in extensive cultivation in the northern half of the United States. A cross between GM-37 and CU-5, performed by a legend of American horticulture, Frederick Vernon Colville (chief botanist of the USDA and director of the U. S. National Arboretum), BlueCrop was the most successful resolution of Colville’s quest to create a high bush blueberry that could be grown in a range of soil acidity levels in areas of the country with cooler annual temperatures. The berries were big and light colored, densely clustered in a bush that ranged from 4 to 6 feet tall. The plant was greatly disease resistant for a creation of the 1930s. Its final refinement and select was done by the greatest berry breeder of the United States from 1900 to 1950, George Darrow.
In the sandy southern region in which I live, a more heat tolerant berry, Georgia Gem rules. And that segment of growers for whom fruit size is all opt for the Darrow Berry. But for those where temperatures and mild, where there are a fair number of chill hours, and where soil runs to the acid end of the spectrum, BlueCrop remains the headache free option. Productivity—ample. Adaptability—surprisingly great. Robustness—what you would want. The skins of the berries do not crack under wet conditions.
Here are some bushes growing on the eastern shore, which is 7b on the old growing zone map. I’m picking them to bring to Luci when I return home to SC tomorrow. Let me just add that the flavor is quintessential blue berry sweet.