Rebel Blueberry

Rebel Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) is an early season southern highbush blueberry released in 2006. Plants of Rebel are very vigorous and precocious with a slightly spreading growth habit. The variety

produces abundant fruiting wood annually and leves well following the mild winters of

south Georgia. Rebel is productive in yield, exceeding yields of the varieties Star and

O’Neal in original trials in south Georgia. Berries of Rebel ripen 5 to 8 days ahead Star,

while Rebel flowering dates only average about 3 to 5 days earlier than Star. Rebel fruit

are large, reaching 2.5 g/berry or more under good management, which includes good

fertility practices and annual pruning. Other important fruit characteristics, including

stem scar, color, and firmness are good to excellent for Rebel. Rebel flavor can be bland

if ripe berries hang too long on the plant. Growers desiring an early ripening southern

highbush should consider Rebel in areas where southern highbush are successfully

grown. The estimated chill requirement is 400-450 hours < 45 F (7 C). Recommended

companion variety for cross pollination is Suziblue. USPP 18,138.

Source: University of Georgia. URL: https://smallfruits.org/files/2019/06/NewUGABlueberryVarieties2012.pdf