DUKE
Duke blueberries are the leading early ripening Northern Highbush variety. It is known for its high yields of uniform sized, quality fruit. Duke’s mild flavor seems to improve with cold storage. Maintaining the plant vigor of Duke blueberries can be a challenge over a long period of time. Growers must choose a quality growing site and continually employ good cultural practices. The Duke blueberry is one of the leading candidates for mechanical harvest, fresh and process sales.
RIPENING SEASON: Very Early
BUSH HABIT: Stocky, Upright
FRUIT QUALITIES: Light Blue, Firm, Mild Flavor
HARVESTING: Handpicking
PRIMARY USE: Fresh, Processed
DRAPER
Still a standout variety, Draper has a compact habit, ripens early mid season, is highly productive as a young plant, and has outstanding fruit quality. With exceptionally firm berries and concentrated ripening periods, Draper maintains excellent post-harvest color retention and superior shelf life. It is extremely fast to hand-pick and also has potential to be harvested by machine. Draper is often a leading choice for both fresh and IQF markets.
RIPENING SEASON: Mid-season
BUSH HABIT: Rounded, Stocky
FRUIT QUALITIES: Light Blue, Firm, Crisp, Sweet Flavor
HARVESTING: Hand-pick, potential for machine harvest
PRIMARY USE: Fresh, Processed
LIBERTY
Liberty blueberries are a late season, fast growing, upright bush and has performed well in Oregon and Western Washington. Harvest begins 7-10 days before Elliott. Liberty blueberries are slightly flat, sky-blue in color, and have a balanced appealing flavor. High temperatures during harvest of the Liberty blueberry can result in soft fruit. Berries detach extremely easily making proper operation of mechanical harvesters important.
RIPENING SEASON: Mid-Late
BUSH HABIT: Open, Upright, Vigorous
FRUIT QUALITIES: Light Blue, Balanced Flavor
HARVESTING: Handpicking
PRIMARY USE: Fresh, Processed
AURORA
Aurora blueberries are one of the latest ripening Highbush varieties. Berries are on average about 25% larger than Elliott with a slightly darker color. Aurora blueberries are often more resistant to cracking and shriveling than Elliott and as a result, it can be allowed to hang longer, and develop better flavor. We recommend the Aurora blueberry for growers where a cold hardy, hand harvest berry is desired to extend the fresh market season.
RIPENING SEASON: Very Late
BUSH HABIT: Rounded, Spreading, Vigorous
FRUIT QUALITIES: Medium Blue, Firm, Tart
HARVESTING: Handpicking
PRIMARY USE: Fresh