Williamson J.G., Olmstead J.W., England G.K., & Lyrene P.M. (2014)
Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars from the University of Florida (Publication #HS1245)
Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Retrieved June 27, 2016
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1245#FIGURE%2013

Chickadee

Chickadee (US Plant Patent 21,376) (Figure 19) was released by the University of Florida in 2009. Chickadee is a very early ripening cultivar with a very low chilling requirement. It is suggested for trial in deciduous production systems in central Florida. The plant is upright, with stout stems and twigs, and has a narrow, almost monopodial, base. Plants are prone to uprooting from heavy ice loads during freeze protection. The mean date of 50% open flowers in Windsor, Florida is January 28, and the mean date of 50% ripe berries in April 15. The early bloom requires overhead freeze protection in most areas of Florida. Berries are large (avg. 2.36 g/berry), sweet with low acidity, and have a firm to semi-crisp texture. Berry quality is maintained on the bush longer than for most other cultivars grown in Florida. Yield potential has been only medium on Chickadee, but its low chill requirement and early maturity may find use in central Florida.