These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
2 year old plants, 16-20 inches tall. 1 Liter container.
Duke Northern Highbush Blueberry
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Duke' is a Northern Highbush blueberry cultivar (Vaccinium corymbosum) developed in Maryland by the USDA and New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, and was named after S. Arthur "Duke" Galletta of the Atlantic Blueberry Company. The variety was released in 1987.
Patent Status: 'Duke' Blueberry was released in 1987, prior to the era of widespread plant patenting for fruit cultivars. Therefore, 'Duke' Blueberry either is not patented, or any granted patent has since expired, and it is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces large, firm, light blue berries with a good, mild flavor. It is known for its very early and abundant yields. The berries have good post-harvest handling potential and are well-suited for both fresh market and processing.
Ripening Time: 'Duke' is a very early-ripening Northern Highbush blueberry, typically maturing in early to mid-June, making it one of the first highbush varieties to ripen in many regions.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Duke' is a vigorous, upright-growing shrub that can reach a mature height of 5 to 6 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet. It has an open, somewhat leggy growth habit and attractive, light green foliage that turns yellow-orange in the fall, offering good autumn color.
Flowers: Produces white, bell-shaped flowers in clusters during the early spring. These flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators and are somewhat frost-tolerant due to their late bloom.
Hardiness: 'Duke' is very cold hardy, generally adapted to USDA Zones 4 through 7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It has a moderate chilling requirement (around 800-1000 hours).
Pollination: While 'Duke' is considered partially self-fertile, cross-pollination with another compatible Northern Highbush blueberry variety that blooms around the same time is recommended for optimal fruit set, larger berries, and increased yields. Suitable pollinizers include 'Bluecrop', 'Patriot', and 'Spartan'.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 that is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during establishment, flowering, and fruit development.
Fertilizing: Benefits from fertilization in early spring with an acid-forming fertilizer specifically formulated for blueberries.
Pruning: Should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring while the plant is dormant. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches, as well as some of the older, less productive wood to encourage new growth and maintain good air circulation. Its open habit may require more attention to structural pruning.
Uses: The very early and flavorful berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Extending the early blueberry season
Baking into muffins, pies, and other treats
Freezing well
Commercial production for early markets.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds.
Ornamental Value: 'Duke' offers seasonal ornamental appeal with its spring flowers, attractive summer foliage, delicious berries, and yellow-orange fall color. Its upright habit makes it suitable for various landscape uses.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Duke' is generally considered to have good disease resistance.
