Breeding Triumph from Michigan: Introducing the Licensed Blueberries 'Huron', 'Draper', and 'Aurora'

01 Mar

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Breeding Triumph from Michigan: Introducing the Licensed Blueberries 'Huron', 'Draper', and 'Aurora'

Michigan State University is among the absolute global elite in blueberry breeding. Under the leadership of renowned breeder James F. Hancock, varieties were created here that changed the rules of the game in the fresh fruit market. They improved fruit firmness, extended shelf life, and, above all, expanded the harvest season.

For the Spring 2026 season, we are bringing to the market three licensed varieties from this program that perfectly follow each other in harvest: 'Huron' (early), 'Draper' (mid-season), and 'Aurora' (very late). Thanks to this trio, you can cover the entire blueberry season with premium quality fruit.

“The common denominator of these varieties is a dry picking scar and extreme flesh firmness. It is exactly these two characteristics that guarantee the fruit will stay fresh for a long time after harvest without softening or starting to rot.”

1. 'Huron' (Early Variety): Perfect Timing and Taste

The 'Huron' variety was bred to fill the harvest window between the famous 'Duke' variety and the mid-early 'Draper'. The harvest begins approximately 5 days after the 'Duke' variety.

A Weapon Against Spring Frosts

The biggest trump card of 'Huron' is its phenology. Although the fruits ripen early, the bush itself blooms unusually late. This unique characteristic protects it from late spring frosts, which often destroy the crops of other early varieties.

Growing Tips

'Huron' has an excellent sweet taste, but sugars develop slower in the fruits. It is a mistake to pick them as soon as they turn blue – let them ripen fully on the bush, otherwise they might be tart. In very hot weather, they may be harder to pick (the stem clings to the fruit).

2. 'Draper' (Mid-Early): A New Quality Standard

A cross between the 'Duke' variety and the elite selection G751. 'Draper' is a variety that literally rewrote the definition of fruit firmness. It ripens 5 days before the popular 'Bluecrop' variety.

Crispy Perfection

The fruits are medium to large, unusually uniform, covered with a beautiful powder-blue waxy bloom. What makes 'Draper' shocking is its extremely firm, almost crunchy flesh. In tests, it significantly outperforms older varieties and is ideal for the fresh fruit market, as it withstands transport excellently.

Efficient Harvesting

Unlike 'Bluecrop', which ripens gradually, 'Draper' ripens much more evenly. This means fewer walks through the orchard and higher efficiency, while being fully suitable for mechanical harvesting.

3. 'Aurora' (Very Late): Queen of the Late Season

Created by crossing 'Brigetta' and 'Elliott'. When most varieties are finishing, 'Aurora' steps in. It ripens approximately 5 days after the 'Elliott' variety, making it one of the latest blueberries on the market.

Visibility and Resilience

The bush has a slightly spreading habit, which makes the fruits beautifully exposed and highly visible on the branches, significantly easing the harvest. The fruits are large, firm, and have an excellent sweet-sour taste (rated 8 out of 9 points).

Watch Out for Autumn Frosts

The variety handles winter excellently (below -20 °C) and is resistant to fruit rot during storage. However, due to its extremely late harvest time (late August / September), it can be risky in colder sub-mountainous areas – with an early onset of autumn, not all fruits may manage to ripen.

Comparison of Licensed Varieties from Michigan

Feature	Huron	Draper	Aurora
Ripening	Early (after Duke)	Mid (before Bluecrop)	Very late (after Elliott)
Average Weight	1.7 g	1.6 g	1.5 g
Key Advantage	Escapes spring frosts	Extreme crunchiness	Extending season into autumn
Pollination	Requires pollinator	Requires pollinator	Pollinator recommended

Conclusion

Licensed varieties from Michigan State University are synonymous with modern quality. If you are establishing a new plantation or want to improve your garden, the combination of 'Huron' for a safe spring start, 'Draper' for the main crop, and 'Aurora' for the autumn harvest will guarantee you a supply of premium and resilient fruits throughout the summer.