Highbush blueberry ‘Patriot’ is one of the most valuable early-ripening varieties. It is frost-hardy and produces very large, exceptionally aromatic fruits. It is a very productive plant. The dark blue fruits with a light blue waxy bloom begin to ripen in early July. The firm, tasty berries are perfect for fresh consumption and processing and do not lose their flavor when frozen. A perennial, easy-to-grow plant that rewards with long and attractive flowering.

Use: Recommended for home gardens and plantations. Thanks to its large, tasty and aromatic fruits, it is ideal for fresh consumption, desserts, cakes, freezing and preserves. The shrub grows moderately strong, reaching about 120 cm, and up to 180 cm in optimal conditions. Suitable for cultivation in all regions thanks to very high frost resistance down to -30°C and even -40°C. It also shows resistance to root rot (Phytophthora).

Ripening: An early variety, fruits begin to ripen in early to mid-July. It flowers very abundantly; flowers are white or slightly pink. Leaves are green, turn color in autumn and fall for winter.

Fruiting: Fruits are large, oval, slightly flattened, dark blue with a waxy bloom, firm, very tasty and aromatic, gathered in large, compact clusters; fruits from later harvests are smaller. Up to 9 kg of fruit can be harvested from one shrub.

Care: Requires strongly acidic, humus-rich soil with pH 3.5–4.0. This variety also tolerates heavier and moist soils. In soil with too low acidity, shrubs become stunted and do not bear fruit.

Position and pruning: Grows best in warm, sunny locations. Requires strong pruning and, due to abundant flowering, thinning of flowers.