• Blueberry duke berries growing on a plant showing plumpness of the berries
  • Harvested duke blueberries gathered and covering image frame
  • Flowering petals of blueberry duke growing on a plant in a garden setting
  • Graphic for blueberry roots explaining self pollination
  • Graphic depicting recommended growing zones for duke blueberry roots for chill hours and the outdoor zone
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Blueberry Roots - Duke

Northern highbush variety, one of the earliest blueberries to ripen

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About the Variety

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Key Features

Frost Tolerant
Prefers Moist Soil
Attracts Bees
Edible
North American Native
Challenging but Rewarding

Plant Details

BOTANICAL NAME

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke'

LIFE CYCLE

  • Perennial

SEED TYPE

  • Root

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

  • Full Sun

BLOOM SEASON

  • Late Spring

GROWTH HABIT

  • Bush
  • Upright

PLANT HEIGHT

  • 36 to 48 inches

PLANT TYPE

  • Highbush

COLOR

  • Blue

Duke Blueberry is a dependable Northern Highbush prized for its heavy early-season harvest of large, firm berries with a sweet, tangy flavor. Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, blueberries are as nutritious as they are delicious. Beyond the harvest, Duke offers year-round beauty with pink-blushed spring blossoms, abundant summer berries, and brilliant yellow-orange fall foliage, making it a standout in both edible and ornamental landscapes.

  • • Resilient, cold-hardy variety for northern climates
  • • Reliable and productive, one plant can produce up to 20 pounds of berries
  • • Self-pollinating; an optional pollinating partner may increase yields

Planting Information

PLANTING SEASON

  • Spring

PLANTING DEPTH

  • Crown approximately 1 to 2 inches below soil surface

WATER NEEDS

  • Average

PLANT SPACING

  • 60 to 96 inches

HARDINESS ZONES

  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7

Planting Guide

View our Blueberry Planting Guide to learn more.

Ready to Grow

We guarantee that our seeds & bulbs will be true to type and ready to thrive. If something doesn't grow as expected, we will make it right. Questions? Call us at 855-440-2929

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    Blueberry Roots - Duke FAQs

    When do Duke Blueberries ripen?

    Duke is an early-season blueberry, typically producing ripe fruit in early summer. Exact harvest timing varies with climate and growing conditions.

    How much sun does Duke Blueberry need?

    Plant in full sun for the best flowering and fruit production. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

    What type of soil does Duke Blueberry prefer?

    Blueberries prefer moist, well-draining, acidic soil. A soil pH of approximately 4.5 to 5.5 is ideal.

    What are Duke Blueberries like?

    The berries are medium to large, firm, and light blue with a pleasantly sweet, mild flavor. Their firmness also makes them well suited for fresh eating, freezing, and baking.

    Why is Duke considered a good blueberry for colder climates?

    Duke blooms relatively late but ripens early, which can help its flowers avoid some late-spring frost damage while still providing an early harvest.

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