The New Zealand Plant & Food Research Institute has a range of southern highbush, northern highbush as well as rabbit eye types of blueberries. These varieties range from low-medium chill types that are suitable for areas with cool winters without frost, to varieties that can be planted in very cold regions where frost occurs. These varieties have good flavour profiles and are known for their eating quality, firmness and shelf life. It is especially the late flowering & very late bearing rabbit eye varieties that are suitable for areas with late frost that offers production in a period (Jan-March) when no other berries are available in South Africa. They are already being planted in areas such as Chile, Europe and New Zealand and give excellent production of mid to very late season ripening fruit. Harvest in South Africa is aimed at November to March depending on the variety and the climate.
