Blueberries, blackberries and other fruits grown in Texas bounced back from heat and drought last season.
According to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert Tim Hartmann, Ph.D., a freeze in late March took out much of the crop from early blooming southern high bush blueberry varieties. Southern high bush varieties are considered by some to have better flavor and texture, but rabbiteye blueberries are generally better adapted and more dependable.
Later-blooming southern high bush and most rabbiteye varieties appear to have escaped major crop damage from the freeze, he said.
Growers find success with blueberries
There are about 700 acres of commercial blueberries grown, mainly in the eastern part of the state, Hartmann said. Acres in Texas can yield 15 pounds per plant or up to 8,000 to 10,000 pounds an acre. Many growers sell directly to consumers from their farms or at local farmers’ markets, but operations with larger capacity also sell wholesale berries to grocers, he said.
Source: agrilifetoday.tamu.edu
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