Product Name: Ochlockonee Blueberry (Orkney Blueberry)
Description:
Ochlockonee is a premium late-season rabbiteye blueberry variety, released by the University of Georgia in 2002 and named after the Ochlockonee River in southern Georgia. This variety has been recognized in academic research as one of the best rabbiteye blueberries for fresh eating, praised for its excellent flavor, low seediness, and outstanding productivity.
A Fresh-Eating Standout:
While many rabbiteye blueberries are known for their thick skins and gritty texture, Ochlockonee stands out as a fresh-eating favorite. Academic studies evaluating rabbiteye varieties for fresh consumption identified Ochlockonee as having “good flavor and low seediness” , making it ideal for fresh market sales and u-pick operations. Growers describe the fruit as simply “delicious”.
Appearance & Flavor:
The fruit is large and round to slightly flattened, ripening to a dark blue color with moderate bloom. The flesh is firm, sweet with low acidity, and rich in aroma – qualities that make it stand out among rabbiteye varieties. The berries hold well on the bush and ship well, with small, dry stem scars and excellent firmness comparable to ‘Tifblue’ and ‘Powderblue’.
Key Commercial Advantages:
Exceptional Yield – Very productive, producing significantly more fruit than the older standard variety 'Tifblue'
Late-Season Market Window – Ripens approximately 7 days later than 'Tifblue', extending the fresh blueberry season
Late Blooming – Flowers late enough to avoid early spring frost damage in southern and central Georgia, reducing crop loss risk
Fresh-Eating Quality – Ranked among the top rabbiteye varieties for flavor and texture, with minimal seediness
Reliable Performance – Strong, upright plant habit with consistent production
Cultivation Notes:
Pollination: Rabbiteye blueberries benefit from cross-pollination; planting with another rabbiteye variety is recommended for optimal fruit set
Soil: Well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5)
Suitable Regions: USDA Zones 7–9, particularly suited to the southeastern United States and similar climates