Duke Highbush Blueberry

Duke Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke')

Duke Highbush Blueberry is an early-season northern highbush noted for heavy crops of firm, light blue berries on an upright, multi-stem plant; late-blooming flowers help dodge spring frosts while fruit ripens early for one of the first harvests of summer.

Distinctive Features

Large, mildly sweet berries with excellent firmness and a small dry scar form in uniform clusters; vigorous, cold-hardy plants carry white spring bells and develop yellow to orange fall color in acidic soils.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for highest yield and sweetness.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, organic-rich, acidic soil.
• Water: Keep evenly moist, especially from bloom through harvest.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7.
• Mature Size: Typically 4 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide.
• Bloom Time: Spring bloom is relatively late; fruit ripens early season, often early summer.
• Soil pH: 4.5 to 5.5 for best performance.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: White spring bloom and bright fall foliage frame patios and entries.
• Edible Hedge: Upright habit forms a productive, seasonal screen.
• Wildlife Support: Flowers feed pollinators; berries attract birds.
• Large Containers: Thrives in acid media with regular feeding and water.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply water when the top 1 in is dry; avoid drought during set and ripening.
• Pruning: In late winter, remove weak wood and oldest canes after year 4 to 5 to renew growth.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with an acid-forming fertilizer; repeat lightly after bloom if needed.
• Mulching: Apply 2 to 4 in of pine bark or needles to conserve moisture and maintain acidity.
• Notes: Self-fertile but heavier crops with a second early or midseason cultivar; net plants to deter birds and avoid alkaline soils to prevent chlorosis.

Why Choose Duke Highbush Blueberry?

• Early Harvest: One of the first highbush blueberries to ripen.
• Firm, High-Quality Fruit: Large berries hold texture for fresh use and baking.
• Cold Hardy: Reliable northern performance with late bloom protection.
• Ornamental Value: Spring bloom and colorful fall foliage enhance gardens.

Plant in full sun with acidic, well-drained soil and steady moisture for abundant, early-season blueberries.