CropsBlueberry (Northern Highbush) › Draper

Draper
Blueberry (Northern Highbush) in the US

A mid-season variety with firm, sweet berries that are great for mechanical harvesting, but just as good for picking by hand. It's a compact bush, too.

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Sow window for Blueberry (Northern Highbush) generally, zone 6. In season now.

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How to grow it

Now, starting blueberries from seed, that's a long game, a good two years before you see any proper fruit, about 730 days to be precise. If you fancy a go, sow your seeds shallow in pots of acidic potting mix in late winter or early spring, like February to April in warmer zones 8-10, or April to May if you're in cooler zones 3-4. For zones 5-7, you're looking at March, April, or May, and you can also sow in the fall, September or October. Keep the potting mix moist and warm, around 60-70°F (15-21°C) if you can manage it. It’ll take a while for them to sprout, so don't give up hope.

Once your seedlings are big enough to handle, or if you've bought young plants, you'll want to get them growing on. They need acidic soil, so either dig in plenty of ericaceous compost or grow them in large containers with it. Space them about 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) apart if planting in the ground, making sure they get plenty of sunshine. They're pretty hardy, but protect young plants from late frosts until they're properly established. No need for staking or anything like that, they'll grow into sturdy bushes.

Full Blueberry (Northern Highbush) guide →

More Blueberry (Northern Highbush) varieties

Track your Blueberry (Northern Highbush) from packet to plate

Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.

Tony C Smith
Tony C Smith

Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.