Brightwell Blueberry

Rabbiteye variety jointly released by University of Georgia and USDA-ARS in 1983. Named after Dr. James N. Brightwell. Vigorous, upright growth. Productive plants. Highly resistant to blueberry gall midge flower bud damage.

Medium to large berries with sweet flavor, good color, firmness and small dry stem scars. Darker than most rabbiteye berries. Excellent quality, attractive for fresh markets.

Late season ripening rabbiteye from Georgia. Requires 350-400 chill hours. Ripens early-mid season in Southern regions (June-July). One of most prolific varieties producing up to 15 pounds per plant. Subject to over-cropping; requires good post-harvest care. Mature fruit susceptible to physiological splitting under wet conditions. Partially self-pollinating but pairs best with Premier, Tifblue, or Climax. Consistently strong performer - stood out in 2023 as top producer despite late freeze.