'Duke' Blueberry

Duke is a Northern Highbush Blueberry adapted for growing in cooler climates. High yields of large, firm, high-quality berries ripen early-season on a shrub that can live over 30 years. Once mature, one plant can yield over 20 pounds of berries! Duke is a widely-loved variety.

Blueberries like acidic soil with good drainage, so prepare and amend your planting location ahead of time, if possible. We sell an organic soil acidifier that can be added to your soil to gradually reduce the pH.

Be sure to see our blog post: Why Blueberries Need Acidic Soil to Thrive.

Duke blueberries are technically partially self-fertile, but they will produce more fruit, and larger fruit, if pollinated by another variety of highbush blueberry. Duke, Bluecrop and Chandler are all highbush blueberries and suitable for cross-pollinating each other.

Common names: Duke Blueberry

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: July (early-season)

Scientific name: Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke'
Light requirements: Full sun 
Full-grown size: 6' high x 4' wide (Highbush)
Hardiness: Zone 4
Pollination: Technically partially self-fertile, but cross-pollination highly recommended.
Wildlife: Attracts bees and birds
Origin: New Jersey, USA in 1987 
Noteworthy: In addition to nutritious berries, blueberry bushes provide wonderful fall colour, with shades of bright orange to deep red.