BLUEBERRY CULTURE 5 



season.- Blue color, plentx of bloom over the surface-, and pleasing flavor are 

 desirable; good keeping and shipping qualil\- are essential. The sepals, which 

 remain as part of the fruit, are small and closely appressed. The skin is as thin 

 and tender as is possible without sacrificing shipping cjuality. The berries hang 

 to the bushes well and separate from the stem with a small scar, and without 

 tearing of t he skin. 



Figure 3. Scr 



iii;^ in a Klucbtri > litld Caused by Heavy Rains in September 1938. 

 ^liould have been prevented ; it is hard to stop. 



In Massachusetts early varieties, because of competition from cultivated 

 berries from farther south, will probably be less profitable than late ones. In 

 some localities their crops may be reduced by spring frost oftener than those of 

 later varieties. However, early varieties have a place in some plantings to start 

 the season's local or roadside trade. 



Two varieties are recommended for commercial planting in Massachusetts: 

 Pioneer and Rubel. 



Pioneer is a mid-season variety, ripening from middle to late Juh-. It pro- 

 duces large crops of berries superior in appearance, flavor, and keeping quality. 

 The bush is of medium height and fine appearance for ornamental planting. 

 It is hard to propagate and costly to prune. 



Rubel is a late variety, ripening a few days after Pioneer. It is a good producer. 

 The berries are only fair in size, but their quality is good and they ship well. 



^Large berry size has been very properly stressed by tliose selecting and breeding blueberry 

 varieties. It adds to the attractiveness of the fruit and. other things being equal, increases yield 

 and reduces cost of picking. But yield and cost of growing, though equally important, have not 

 had the attention they deserve. 



