Duke Blueberry

About the Duke Blueberry Plant

The Duke Blueberry is a Northern Highbush Blueberry, growing well in cooler climates and northern regions. Developed by the USDA in Beltsville, Maryland, this variety was released to the public in 1987.

It is known both for its early season fruit, which is large with a firm, crisp texture, and its high yield of berries. The fruit has a tangy, sweet, delicate flavor. Blueberries are a top fruit source of antioxidants, and they are high in fiber and vitamin C.

This blueberry bush is an attractive plant with white, pink-tinged flowers in the spring; large, light blue berries in the summer; and vibrant yellow and orange fall foliage. It is a great plant to use for landscape design, as well as in the garden or berry patch. This bush can grow up to six feet tall at maturity.

Growth and Care

Duke blueberry bushes are cold-hardy. They prefer acidic soil and full sun, and they should be pruned annually. Flowers bloom late in the spring, helping to avoid issues with late spring frost. We recommend Stark® Blueberry Special Fertilizer to help your blueberry plants thrive.

Like all blueberry plants, the Duke variety can live a long time, bearing fruit up to fifty years. Bushes should start producing berries one to two years after planting. While self-pollinating, this variety benefits from cross-pollination with other cultivars, producing even larger yields. See below for more information about planting and care.

Buy a Duke blueberry plant and enjoy an abundance of blueberries that ripen early and the attractive landscape qualities of this plant.