Epic Gardening
Duke Blueberry
Duke Blueberry
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Product Details
Product Details
If you want to enjoy the delicious crunch of a blueberry first in the season, Duke is the variety to choose. This bush not only produces berries that ripen early, but produces prolifically, giving you more blueberries than you’ll know what to do with.
In the garden, Duke Blueberries make great hedges or shrubs for containers thanks to their relatively compact size. Plant close to your home for easy access - you’ll be harvesting often!
Duke is very cold-hardy and ideal in USDA growing zones 4-7. Our hardiest Northern Highbush variety, Duke requires 800-1000 chill hours for fruit production.
All blueberries are grown from propagated cuttings and are not grafted.
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Specification
Specification
2-3ft tree comes in an 3 gallon size pot.
Why You'll Love It
Why You'll Love It
Cold Hardy: Duke Blueberries grow happily in USDA Zones 4-7.
High Yield: You won’t run out of blueberries to snack on when growing this variety.
Early Ripening: Berries start to ripen in early summer for early harvesting.
Flowering: Flowers appear later in spring, limiting potential frost damage in cooler climates.
Duke Blueberry
View More Planting Info
For the highest possible yield, choose a location with full sun. In warmer climates, a bit of afternoon protection is recommended. Blueberries require acidic soil with a pH of around 4.5. When you’re planting multiple blueberries - recommended for better pollination - space them around 6 feet apart to accommodate their mature width without overcrowding. Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Place the bush in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a layer of mulch around 3-4 inches thick around the base after planting.
Sunlight:
Plant in full sun or partial sun, aiming for around 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Pruning:
Begin pruning annually in the third year of growth to revive branches and manage size.
Fertilizing:
Feed annually in spring with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
- Product Info
- Care and Maintenance
- Planting Care
- Growing Zone
Product Info
Mature Height: 5-6 ft.
Mature Width: 3-4 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Growth Rate: Moderate
Does Not Ship To: AZ, CA, OR, WA
Care and Maintenance
Watering: Water deeply twice per week after planting, ensuring the soil is well-draining. Gradually decrease watering to once a week as the plant becomes established. Potted blueberries will require more frequent watering than in-ground blueberries.
Fertilizing: Fertilize once per year in spring with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Apply according to packaging instructions to avoid overfertilizing.
Pruning: After a few seasons of growth, prune annually in winter to manage size and revive older branches. Remove diseased branches as they appear to prevent spread.
Pests and Diseases: Blueberries aren’t prone to many pest and disease issues, but the berries are targets for birds and small animals. Use netting to protect the fruits as they ripen. Monitor for signs of powdery mildew and, if noted, treat accordingly. Remain watchful for weevils for the first two years after planting, as weevil larvae can cause serious damage to the root systems of young blueberry plants.
Pollination: While Duke will produce fruit without another pollinator plant, pairing these with another Duke or a different highbush variety like Bluecrop will produce higher yields.
Harvesting: Start picking your blueberries at the start of summer when the color develops. Pick early in the morning, gently to avoid damage, and refrigerate immediately after picking.
Recovery Time: Transitioning from our nursery to your home can be a bit of a shock to your plant. A short acclimation period helps it recover and reduces stress.
Climate Adjustment: Every environment is unique. Giving your plant time to adjust to the local climate, humidity, and light conditions in a shady spot will set it up for better growth and health.
How to Acclimate Your Plant: Keep the plant in its container and place it in a shady, sheltered area away from high winds. Ensure it's watered adequately – the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Monitor the plant for any signs of distress and allow it to adjust for a few days before planting. After a few days of acclimation, your plant will be better prepared to thrive in its new home for years to come.
Planting Care
Sunlight: Plant in full sun or partial sun, aiming for around 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Pruning: Begin pruning annually in the third year of growth to revive branches and manage size.
Fertilizer: Feed annually in spring with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
Growing Zone
Growing Zone 4-7
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