Blueberry Draper

Draper blueberry is a mid-late variety developed in 1995 at the University of Michigan, USA, by crossing Duke and G751 varieties. Plants of this variety are vigorous and upright, reaching up to 1.5 meters in height and about 1 meter in width, with a large number of moderately branched shoots. Berries are light blue, 1.1–1.4 cm long and 1.5–1.9 cm in diameter, uniformly sized with an average weight of about 1.6 grams. They are loosely clustered, have a dry detachment, and a pleasant flavor with aroma.

Draper is self-pollinating, but cross-pollination increases yield and berry size. Berries have a firm skin, ensuring good transportability and long storage. Due to these qualities, the variety is suitable for freezing, as well as for making jams, jellies, and yogurt. Harvest ripens approximately 5 days earlier than the Blukrop variety, allowing for earlier fruit collection in season.

Draper is highly cold-resistant — it withstands temperatures down to -29°C, making it well-adapted to temperature fluctuations during late autumn and early spring. The variety requires protection against moniliosis, but it generally exhibits increased resistance to diseases. Additionally, it is suitable for mechanical harvesting, simplifying care and berry collection.