Reka blueberry variety is a high-yielding and early-ripening cultivar developed in New Zealand as part of the Ruakura Station breeding program. Berries begin to ripen at the beginning of July, making this one of the earliest blueberry varieties. Plants are vigorous, tall, reaching up to 1.8–2 meters in height, with upright and dense canopies. Reka shows rapid fruiting — the first harvest can be obtained within one year after planting. Berries have medium to large size, weighing about 1.8 grams, with firm flesh, juicy and aromatic, featuring intense blue color. Berries retain firmness and freshness for up to two weeks after harvest, and also do not easily drop off the plant after ripening.
This blueberry variety exhibits high resistance to frost and diseases, as well as good adaptability to various climatic conditions, including heat and drought provided that soil moisture levels are adequate. Reka prefers acidic, well-drained substrates with pH levels between 3.5 and 5, which is a mandatory condition for normal plant development. Waterlogging is not tolerated, so planting is recommended in well-lit areas with good drainage. The plants have decorative appeal due to glossy dark green leaves with a slight bluish tint and light veins, which turn bright brown-red and crimson hues in autumn.
Flowering occurs in April, when the plants are adorned with numerous miniature bell-shaped white-pink flowers arranged in elongated clusters. The variety yields high and stable production — from one mature bush, 8 to 10 kilograms of berries can be harvested. Due to its characteristics, the Reka variety is ideal for commercial cultivation in temperate latitudes, providing an early and abundant harvest of delicious and aromatic berries.
