Calypso
Blueberry
US Patent Number 25995P3
Type: Northern Highbush
Season: Mid – Late
Winter Hardy: Yes
Machine harvest: Yes
Firmness: Above Average
Shelf Life: Excellent
Alternative to: Bluecrop, Liberty, Legacy, and other similar harvest window varieties.
It can take a discerning eye and a lifetime of growing experience to spot a promising new blueberry, but we knew that the Calypso variety was destined for greatness when it was still fresh on the scene.
Calypso is quickly building a reputation as a favorite of northern highbush blueberry growers, and it has certainly become a favorite at Oregon Blueberry. There are many benefits about this exceptional variety, with its unique versatility at the forefront. We’ve watched Calypso grow in popularity since its debut in 2015, and predict it will soon become a staple in the northern highbush portfolio.
BERRY
Light Blue, Large/Very Large Berry, Excellent Sugar/Acid Balance, Small Scar, Firm, Overall High Quality
BUSH
Upright, Vigorous, High Yields, Concentrated Ripening, Machine Harvest Fresh
MARKET
FreshProcessU-Pick
CHILLING
1,000 Hours Per Year
Calypso’s Parentage & Background
Originally developed by Dr. Jim Hancock at Michigan State University, Calypso was born as MSU-70 and is a descendent of the Draper and Elliot varieties.
Hancock is known in the blueberry industry for breeding some of the world’s leading varieties, including Aurora, Draper, and Liberty. Given its promising background, we were optimistic about Calypso’s potential when we first began trialing the selection. We quickly recognized its positive characteristics and encouraged its commercial release.
At Oregon Blueberry, we are always evaluating the newest selections from our own genetics program as well as from our many trusted partners. Our goal has always been to bring the very best material to our customers from across the globe. With more than 40 years of growing experience, we are able evaluate selections from many perspectives and design the most favorable agronomy program for each cultivar. This expertise helped us discover the extraordinary potential of the Calypso variety. While some in the industry were initially skeptical of Calypso, our seasoned farmers at Oregon Blueberry recognized its promising attributes early on. Today, Oregon Blueberry is the largest purveyor of Calypso plants in North America.
Contact an Oregon Blueberry representative to get started.
Doug McCann, Oregon Blueberry
“Since we first trialed the variety and witnessed its advantages, we knew it had to get to market. Calypso provides so many grower advantages over competing window varieties, we’re excited to offer it to our customers.”
Unique Qualities of the Calypso Blueberry Plant
Northern growers will resonate with many favorable qualities found in Calypso, including its breadth of attributes. As growers, Oregon Blueberry knows that every variety has a unique agronomic program and Calypso is no different. With appropriate practices, Calypso is a superior choice for the mid-late, northern markets.
Calypso Fruit Quality
Calypso produces a firm, large berry with excellent flavor and a small dry scar. The fruit ripens with unique uniformity and consistency, and there is an ideal fruit to leaf to plant ratio. During informal trials in non-controlled atmosphere storage, it has also been found to have an exceptional storage life.
Unique Qualities of the Calypso Blueberry Plant
Northern growers will resonate with many favorable qualities found in Calypso, including its breadth of attributes. As growers, Oregon Blueberry knows that every variety has a unique agronomic program and Calypso is no different. With appropriate practices, Calypso is a superior choice for the mid-late, northern markets.
Calypso Fruit Quality
Calypso produces a firm, large berry with excellent flavor and a small dry scar. The fruit ripens with unique uniformity and consistency, and there is an ideal fruit to leaf to plant ratio. During informal trials in non-controlled atmosphere storage, it has also been found to have an exceptional storage life.
Sukh Bubra, Dr. B’s Blueberries
“It’s a longer lasting fruit on the shelf. That is important when we ship from the west coast all the way to New York or Miami. It holds up well during that four day travel and I think that is where it surpasses Duke and other fresh varieties.”
Calypso Yield & Harvest
Calypso’s yield is above average and often exceeds Draper. Firm berries, upright plant structure, consistent ripening, and favorable release make the berries suitable for modern machine harvesters. Growers have found that Calypso also has a flexible harvest time and can remain on the plant longer before degradation.
Calypso Climate & Agronomy
Calypso has a minimum chill hour requirement of 1,000 hours. It may not be suitable for climates where the average summer temperature exceeds 85 degrees. Temperature during harvest and transition from field to cold chain will affect fruit firmness.
Examples of ideal regions to grow Calypso include Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, Eastern Washington, Western Washington, Lower British Columbia, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Michigan.
Our early insights into the unique characteristics of the Calypso variety have given us a valuable perspective on good grower practices and the suitability of the variety in different growing conditions. We are happy to share observations with growers who are interested in adding the variety to their portfolio.
Sukh Bubra, Dr. B’s Blueberries
“Bob and Doug are very supportive of the grower in terms of knowledge, in terms of grow factors for the plant, how to fertilize the plant, how to plant it. They’re forthcoming with a lot of information regarding how to make the variety a success. They don’t just sell the plant and leave; their aftercare is the best.”
The Future of Calypso
Calypso is the perfect plant for growers to update their fields with a rising star in modern genetics. We envision Calypso’s popularity continuing to grow in the future, and any farmer hoping to modernize their fields should consider investing in this cultivar. Other blueberry varieties have competed to become the next staple variety, but none have demonstrated the strength and tenacity of Calypso.
As early adopters and prolific suppliers of this versatile plant, Oregon Blueberry provides valuable insights to growers looking to unearth Calypso’s potential.
Doug McCann, Oregon Blueberry
“Calypso has become a favorite among northern highbush blueberry growers. Not only growers, but packing facilities also see major advantages in this variety over others. In many cases, we’re even seeing a premium paid for the outstanding fruit quality and flexibility this variety provides.”
Contact an Oregon Blueberry representative to get started.
Like any blueberry variety, region, soil type, microclimate, and other factors will all be contributing factors to the success of Calypso. Consult your Oregon Blueberry representative to ensure your area meets growing requirements.
