1. Duke: A popular early-season blueberry variety with large, firm berries that have a sweet-tart flavor. The berries ripen in late June to early July and are great for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.
2. Patriot: This variety produces high yields of medium-sized berries with a sweet flavor and a slightly tart finish. The fruit ripens in late June to early July and is great for fresh eating and freezing.
3. Bluecrop: One of the most widely planted blueberry varieties, Bluecrop produces large, firm berries with a sweet flavor and a slight tang. The fruit ripens in mid- to late July and is great for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.
4. Chandler: A newer variety that is becoming increasingly popular, Chandler produces large, sweet berries that are firm and juicy. The fruit ripens in mid- to late July and is great for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.
5. Earlyblue: As its name suggests, Earlyblue is one of the earliest blueberry varieties to ripen, typically in late June to early July. The berries are medium-sized, with a sweet flavor and a slight tang. They are great for fresh eating and baking.
Dr. Sarah Smith is a blueberry expert and author of BlueberryExpert.com. She has been growing and studying blueberries for over 20 years. Her research has focused on the different varieties, growing techniques, and nutritional content of blueberries. She is passionate about helping people to grow their own healthy blueberries and has been a leader in the industry for many years.