Draper is a Northern Highbush blueberry valued for a concentrated early-to-midseason harvest. Its light-blue berries are firm and crisp, with a small picking scar and mild blueberry flavor. The fruit stores well when harvested fully ripe and handled carefully.
Draper Blueberry Highlights
- Blueberry type: Northern Highbush
- Harvest: Early to midseason; timing varies by region.
- Fruit: Medium to very large, light blue, firm, and crisp.
- Plant habit: Upright and vigorous, typically about 4–5 feet at maturity with pruning.
- Climate fit: Listed for USDA Zones 4–7 with a 500–1,000-hour chill range.
- Plant: Supplied as one plant in the seasonal dormant-plant program.
Pollination
Draper is generally self-fertile, but a second Northern Highbush cultivar with overlapping bloom can improve berry size and yield. Consider Bluecrop or Bluegold.
Planting and Care
Plant in full sun and acidic, well-drained soil, ideally around pH 4.5–5.5. Maintain even moisture and mulch over the shallow root zone. Young Draper plants can produce vigorous whip-like shoots, so balanced late-winter pruning helps build a productive framework.
Browse more blueberry plants or read the blueberry growing guide.