Velvet

The 'Velvet' blueberry cultivar is the result of selection based on the Altai Selena and was included in the state register in 2004, which allows its use in all regions of Russia. Bushes are characterized by a tall, spreading structure up to two meters high, with straight, pubescent shoots of medium thickness. Leaves of medium size have a matte, leathery surface and green color.

Fruits of the cultivar are oval, dark blue, weighing from 0.9 to 1.2 grams, covered with a waxy bloom, which ensures good transportability. The taste is sour-sweet with a slight bitterness and no bright aroma; the tasting score is 4.5 points. Sugar content is in the range of 6.5–9.9%, acids – 1.4–2.6%, vitamin C – 16.2–34.3 mg/100 g, vitamin R up to 800 mg and pectin substances up to 0.62%. Fruits do not drop, which makes the cultivar convenient for harvesting.

The cultivar is distinguished by high yield: in the first four years of fruiting, the average production is about 2.3 kg per bush (≈5.1 t/ha with a planting scheme of 4 × 1 m). 'Velvet' is early-fruiting and self-sterile, so it can be pollinated by all simultaneously flowering blueberry cultivars. Bushes are resistant to diseases and pests, have high winter hardiness and ripen in mid-June (20–25 days).