🥭 Regulus - A Rare and Prolific Hybrid of Shenandoah × Susquehanna with Exceptional Flavor

Variety Description

Summary

Regulus is the "powerhouse" of the Peterson-sourced hybrids. By crossing the two most famous patented varieties in the world—Shenandoah and Susquehanna—Peterson created a cultivar that brings the delicate, approachable flavor of the former into the massive, high-yielding frame of the latter. It is the variety for the grower who wants "Susquehanna size" but with the silky consistency that made Shenandoah the market standard. While it was not chosen for the primary "Big Six" commercial release, many connoisseurs consider Regulus to be technically superior in regular orchard settings.

Foundations and Provenance

Regulus was a high-ranking candidate in the Peterson Pawpaws™ development program. Its "lost" status only adds to its allure; it was released into limited production and is now maintained by a few specialist nurseries like Madison Citrus. It represents the pinnacle of intentional hybridization, moving beyond wild selection into precision genetics.

Fruit Specifications: Elite and Massive

Physical Attributes: The fruit is heavy, often reaching close to a pound (450g) in weight. The flesh is dense and deeply creamy. Palette: It is a high-sugar powerhouse. Informal field testing has recorded Brix levels reaching 24, placing it at the very top of the genus for sweetness. Texture: Inheriting the "custard" gene from its parents, the fruit is almost entirely free of grit or fiber, offering a "spoonable" dessert experience.

Orchard Productivity

Yield Density: True to its breeding, Regulus is a prolific cropper. The tree is known for "setting its crop" reliably year after year, often out-yielding its more famous siblings in varied soil conditions. Pruning Synergy: Because of its vigor and fruit size, it responds exceptionally well to modern pruning techniques that encourage strong lateral branches.

Management and Logistics

Maturity Timing: Ripening in the heart of the pawpaw season, it serves as the reliable anchor for many orchards. It is stable enough to wait for full tree-ripeness, allowing for the maximum accumulation of sugars. Visual Indicator: The fruit clusters are large and easily identifiable, making the harvest process efficient.

Environmental Adaptation

As a hybrid of two Northern-derived parents, it is highly resilient in Zone 5 and 6. It handles winter dormancy well and has shown a strong resistance to the late spring frosts that can sometimes damaging budding in lesser varieties.

Conclusion

Regulus is the connoisseur’s choice for performance. It offers the thrill of a "Big Six" hybrid with the exclusivity of a rare collector's specimen. For anyone looking to produce massive, elite-flavored fruit that competes with the very best of the modern industry, Regulus is an indispensable addition.