Technical sheet of the Howes blueberry variety
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Skin color: Dark blue
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Size and shape: Medium size (usually 10-12 mm in diameter), typical blueberry shape.
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Tree size: Adult height generally between 1.5 and 2 meters, with an observed professional average of around 1.80 meters at maturity.
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Fruit maturity: Late, generally from mid-August.
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Fruit Taste: Sweet to medium acidity, with good aromatic intensity. Marked acidity higher than Bluecrop or Patriot. Sugar content (°Brix) 11-13°Brix.
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Earliness of the variety: Late.
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Fruiting period Generally from mid-August.
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Disease Resistance and Storage: Disease resistance considered moderate to good against major fungal diseases. Excellent storage capacity. High firmness and thick skin contribute to very good resistance to deterioration. Good disease resistance.
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Variety yield: High, 5 to 8 kg per plant.
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Is this variety self-fertile? Not self-fertile, requires cross-pollination. It is recommended to use at least two to three different varieties to ensure simultaneous flowering and good fertilization.
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Commercial use: Mainly grown for industrial processing, but also of interest for freezing and the fresh market due to its firm flesh and good storage capacity.
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Comments: Suitable for mechanical harvesting due to the high firmness of its fruits. Separating the fruit from the pedicel is not as easy as with some older varieties.
Quick read / the essentials on Myrtillier Howes
The 'Howes' variety is a must-have for demanding growers looking for quality and reliability. At Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , we offer Howes blueberry plants carefully selected for their robustness and adaptability. If you want to buy Howes blueberry plants , you've come to the right place!
This blueberry bush, from the Highbush group, is distinguished by its excellent post-harvest stability, firm and resistant skin, and balanced, slightly acidic taste. With a medium to large fruit size and a strong storage capacity, 'Howes' is ideal for both fresh consumption and industrial processing.
Bairiverse , your specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , guarantees you healthy and productive plants to optimize your yield. To make your project a success and buy Howes blueberry plants under the best conditions, trust our expertise: we support you with in-depth technical advice and plants perfectly adapted to your production needs.
With Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , you benefit from a turnkey solution to buy top-quality Howes blueberry plants and ensure the success of your professional orchard.
General information on the 'Howes' variety
The 'Howes' blueberry belongs to the species Vaccinium corymbosum , also called shrub blueberry or American blueberry . It is an old North American variety , from the "Highbush" group, known for its hardiness, good productivity and firmness. Although it is more common in North America, its cultivation remains possible and relevant in France under suitable pedoclimatic conditions.
Fruit characteristics
The fruit of 'Howes' has a dark blue to blue-black skin , covered with a slight bloom , giving it a matte, powdery appearance. The flesh is white to pale green , firm and crisp, with a pleasant texture, even after several days of storage.
The average size is estimated between 10 and 12 mm in diameter , which places it in a medium to large category. The weight of the fruits remains within the norm for blueberries for industrial and fresh production.
The taste is tangy to balanced , with a sugar content (°Brix) around 13 to 15 , making it a variety suitable for both fresh consumption and processing . It contains approximately 75 to 78% juice depending on the fresh weight.
The fruits retain their quality very well after harvest thanks to their thick skin and high firmness (140 to 180 g·mm⁻¹). This makes them suitable for freezing and delayed marketing .
Recommended commercial uses
'Howes' is a variety historically used for industrial processing (juice, jam, pastry), but its organoleptic qualities and texture also make it a good candidate for the fresh market and freezing .
Plant characteristics
The 'Howes' blueberry reaches a mature height of 1.5 to 2 m , with a moderately erect to semi-erect habit , sometimes slightly spreading depending on growing conditions. Its vigor is moderate to strong , with annual growth of up to 35 cm in young plants .
Flowering is late , generally between May 20 and June 10 in temperate French climates. Fruiting is also late , with a harvest that begins at the end of July and extends until mid-September .
Staking is recommended during the first two years, particularly to protect young plants from the wind and prevent breakage under the weight of the bunches. Afterwards, the relatively rigid branches ensure good natural support.
The root system , as with all blueberries, is very superficial , sensitive to compaction and asphyxiation. It develops mainly in the first 30 to 45 centimeters of soil.
'Howes' is a non-remontant variety, producing only one harvest per year .
Growing conditions and precautions
The 'Howes' variety is not self-fertile . Cross-pollination is essential to ensure good yields. It is recommended to combine compatible varieties such as 'Tifblue', 'Powder Blue', 'Brightwell' or 'Climax' . A ratio of 2/3 Howes plants to 1/3 pollinators is recommended for a good balance.
The soil must be acidic , with an optimal pH between 4.5 and 5.2 , and very well drained . The variety is very sensitive to active limestone and root asphyxiation , which excludes heavy or calcareous soils.
Drought resistance is low to medium . Regular watering and/or mulching is essential, especially in summer.
Resistance to diseases and pests
'Howes' has moderate to good resistance to common fungal diseases , including anthracnose, botrytis and cankers. However, no specific pest resistance traits have been identified, which requires regular plant health monitoring .
Yield
Under optimal growing conditions, the average yield observed is 3 to 5 kg per adult plant per year . This potential depends heavily on soil quality, irrigation and crop management.
Conclusion
The 'Howes' blueberry variety represents an interesting option for professional producers wishing to diversify their production with a late, hardy and versatile variety . Its good post-harvest performance , firm texture and dual fresh/processing vocation make it a variety well suited to long supply chains as well as to artisanal or industrial processing. However, its success depends on good agronomic management : acidic soil , impeccable drainage , cross-pollination and controlled irrigation .
To summarize: Howes Blueberry
The 'Howes' blueberry is a valuable ally for professionals looking to expand their late-season production range with a hardy, productive, and versatile variety. Its late flowering, high firmness, and exceptional storage capacity make it a strategic variety for long supply chains and processing.
By choosing Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , you are choosing a superior quality plantation. Whether you are starting a new project or strengthening your existing orchard, we allow you to buy Howes blueberry plants with complete confidence.
The variety does, however, require some precautions: cross-pollination is essential, perfectly drained acidic soil, and regular irrigation. Bairiverse , your specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , is at your side to guide you in the establishment and success of your orchard. Our technical expertise, combined with our rigorously selected range, is a major asset for those who wish to purchase Howes blueberry plants and achieve optimal performance.
With Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , ensure the success of your production and benefit from a reliable partner to buy Howes blueberry plants at the best quality-price ratio.
