HybridContainer OK

Duke Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke'

One of the finest early-season blueberry varieties, producing large, firm berries with exceptional sweet flavor in mid-June. Duke offers reliable annual production and excellent cold hardiness, making it a favorite among northern gardeners. The upright, vigorous bushes also provide beautiful white spring flowers and stunning orange-red fall foliage.

Harvest

1095-1460d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

3–8

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-12 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Harvest

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Duke Blueberry in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 berry →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Duke Blueberry · Zones 3–8

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing4-6 feet

SoilAcidic, well-drained, organic-rich soil

pH4.5-5.5

WaterHigh — consistent moisture needed

SeasonSpring and Summer

FlavorSweet with mild tartness, excellent fresh eating quality

ColorMedium to dark blue with light bloom

SizeLarge, 15-17mm diameter

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	June – August	—	December – September
Zone 4	—	June – July	—	December – September
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	December – October
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	December – October
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	December – October
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	December – November

Complete Growing Guide

Light: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Blue to purple small round fruits that show up in August, ripening from a green to pink color to full ripeness. Females cannot produce fruit on their own. Fruit is edible.

Color: Blue, Green, Pink, Purple/Lavender. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Spring

Edibility: The berries are edible and have been used raw, sun-dried. smoke-dried, and baked. They have high iron content.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Duke blueberries store exceptionally well due to their firm texture and thick skin. Keep unwashed berries in the refrigerator in their original container or a breathable container for up to 10-14 days. Only wash berries immediately before eating, as moisture accelerates spoilage.

For longer storage, Duke blueberries freeze beautifully without blanching. Spread clean, dry berries in a single layer on baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen Duke berries maintain their structure better than softer varieties, making them excellent for baking even after thawing.

Duke's sweet flavor profile makes it perfect for jams and jellies with reduced sugar content. The berries' natural pectin content helps preserves set well. Dehydrated Duke blueberries also retain excellent flavor – use a dehydrator at 135°F for 12-18 hours until leathery but still pliable. These make excellent additions to trail mixes and granola.

History & Origin

Origin: Eastern North America

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Compaction, Fire, Wet Soil
+Attracts: Edible fruit, Wildlife Food Source
+Edible: The berries are edible and have been used raw, sun-dried. smoke-dried, and baked. They have high iron content.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Strawberries

Similar soil pH needs and shallow roots don't compete deeply

Ferns

Tolerates acidic soil and provides natural mulch through decomposing fronds

Heather

Acidifies soil naturally and attracts beneficial pollinators

Thyme

Repels harmful insects while tolerating acidic conditions

Azalea

Shares similar acidic soil requirements and shallow root system

Rhododendron

Thrives in same acidic conditions and provides natural windbreak

Pine Trees

Naturally acidifies soil through needle drop and provides partial shade

Cranberries

Both prefer acidic, well-draining soil with similar moisture needs

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits blueberry root development

Brassicas

Prefer alkaline soil conditions opposite to blueberry requirements

Tomatoes

Require neutral to slightly alkaline soil, competing pH needs

Nutrition Facts

Protein

0.703g(1%)

Carbs

14.6g(5%)

Fat

0.306g(0%)

Vitamin C

8.06mg(9%)

Iron

0.34mg(2%)

Calcium

11.7mg(1%)

Potassium

85.6mg(2%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346411)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to mummy berry and moderate resistance to powdery mildew

Common Pests

Birds, aphids, scale insects, blueberry maggot

Diseases

Mummy berry, powdery mildew, root rot, leaf spot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Duke blueberry take to produce fruit?▼

Duke blueberry bushes typically begin producing small crops in their second year, but reach full production capacity in 3-4 years after planting. For best long-term yields, remove flowers the first year and limit fruit production the second year, allowing the plant to establish strong roots instead of focusing energy on fruit production.

Can you grow Duke blueberry in containers?▼

Yes, Duke blueberry grows well in containers at least 24 inches wide and deep. Use acidic potting mix designed for blueberries or azaleas, ensure excellent drainage, and plan to water more frequently than ground-planted bushes. Container-grown Duke bushes are easier to protect from birds and can be moved to optimize sun exposure.

What does Duke blueberry taste like?▼

Duke blueberries offer exceptional sweet flavor with mild tartness, making them outstanding for fresh eating. The berries are notably sweet compared to many early-season varieties, with a rich, full blueberry flavor that lacks the excessive tartness common in other June-bearing cultivars. Their firm texture provides a satisfying bite.

When should I plant Duke blueberry bushes?▼

Plant Duke blueberry bushes in spring after the last frost date or in early fall, 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. Spring planting is preferred in zones 3-5 for better establishment before winter, while zones 6-7 can successfully plant in either season. Avoid planting during summer heat stress periods.

Duke vs Bluecrop blueberry - what's the difference?▼

Duke ripens 2-3 weeks earlier than Bluecrop (mid-June vs early July) and offers superior cold hardiness for northern gardens. Duke berries are larger and sweeter, while Bluecrop provides longer harvest season and better drought tolerance. Both are excellent choices, with Duke preferred for early fruit and harsh winter climates.

Is Duke blueberry good for beginners?▼

Duke blueberry is moderately beginner-friendly due to its cold hardiness and disease resistance, but it does require acidic soil preparation and cross-pollination planning. New gardeners succeed best when they test soil pH first, plant at least two varieties for pollination, and resist the urge to harvest heavily in the first two years.