Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke' - Highbush Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’ — Highbush Blueberry

A top-performing early-season blueberry, Duke delivers heavy crops of large, firm, slightly tart berries starting in early July. The deep blue fruits are excellent for fresh eating and are considered one of the best varieties for freezing, holding their flavor and texture beautifully long after harvest. Vigorous and upright, this native shrub also provides outstanding ornamental value with brilliant fiery red fall foliage.

Blueberries thrive in acidic soil and full sun. For best yields, plant more than one variety. Fruit is produced on new growth, so prune out about one-third of the oldest canes in early spring.

Details
• Zone: 4–8
• Height: 5–6 ft
• Spread: 5–6 ft
• Fruit Timing: Early season (early July)
• Berry: Large, firm, slightly tart, deep blue

Highlights
-Excellent early-season harvest
-High yields of large, firm berries
-Outstanding flavor; one of the best varieties for freezing
-Brilliant red fall foliage
Vigorous, upright native shrub