article guide

Blueberry Succession Planting/Harvesting Program

Plan a longer blueberry season by choosing varieties that ripen early, mid and late in the summer.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Blueberry Harvesting Program

Fruit Harvest Programs

Season Extension by Variety Selection

This planting and harvest plan simplifies variety choice so you can pick blueberries over more of the summer. Actual ripening dates depend on your latitude, microclimate, growing practices and the weather in a given year, among other things.

Blueberry Harvest Window
Cultivar	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep
Duke**
Patriot
Blueray† **
Chandler**
Reka
Bluecrop
Bluegold
Burgundy
Northblue
Northsky
Top Hat
Top Shelf
Northland
Jersey
Darrow
Elliot
Last Call

†Part of our Berry Lovers Plant Collection
**Part of our Blueberry Plant Collection

Top ˆ

Blueberry Varieties Comparison
Cultivar*	Season	Berry size	USDA zones
Duke**	Early season	Large fruit	Zones 4–8
Patriot	Early season	Large fruit	Zones 3–8
Blueray† **	Early to mid season	Large fruit	Zones 3–8
Chandler	Mid season	Very large fruit	Zones 4–8
Reka	Mid season	Medium fruit	Zones 4–8
Bluecrop	Mid to late season	Medium fruit	Zones 4–8
Bluegold	Mid to late season	Large fruit	Zones 4–8
Burgundy	Mid to late season	Small fruit	Zones 3–8
Northblue	Mid to late season	Small fruit	Zones 3–8
Northsky	Mid to late season	Small fruit	Zones 3–8
Top Hat	Mid to late season	Small fruit	Zones 3–8
Top Shelf	Mid to late season	Large fruit	Zones 4–8
Northland	Mid to late season	Medium fruit	Zones 3–8
Jersey	Mid to late season	Small to medium fruit	Zones 4–8
Darrow	Late	Very large fruit	Zones 5–8
Elliott	Late	Medium fruit	Zones 4–8
Last Call	Late	Large fruit	Zones 4–7