Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke’

Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’: Early Blue Harvest, Firm Sweet Berries

Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’ is an early-season highbush blueberry that brings a clean, satisfying start to summer fruiting. Dainty, waxy white bell-shaped flowers appear in spring, then develop into firm, medium-large light blue berries with a mildly sweet flavour. The shrub grows with a bushy, upright habit, giving it a tidy, productive look in the edible garden. If you love blueberries fresh off the plant, ‘Duke’ is a rewarding way to begin the season.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 150–180 cm
• Spread: 150–180 cm
• Flower Colour: Waxy white
• Flowering Period: Spring, with fruit ripening in early summer
• Foliage: Deciduous green foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter

Uses and Benefits: ‘Duke’ is ideal for edible landscapes, backyard berry rows, and sunny borders where you want a shrub that looks good and produces a reliable crop. Its early ripening timing helps stretch the blueberry season, especially when planted alongside mid- and late-season varieties. The firm berries are excellent for fresh eating, baking, and freezing, and the spring flowers support pollinators as the garden wakes up.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the best fruiting, or part shade where summers are hot, and keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Blueberries need acidic, organic-rich soil, so amend with compost and mulch with pine bark or shredded leaves to help maintain ideal conditions. Water deeply during dry spells, especially while berries are forming. Prune in late winter or early spring by removing a few older stems and any weak or crossing branches to encourage vigorous new growth. For stronger yields, grow with another highbush blueberry variety nearby for cross-pollination.

History: Highbush blueberries have become a staple in Canadian home gardens thanks to their productivity, ornamental spring bloom, and the simple pleasure of harvesting fruit at home. ‘Duke’ is valued for its early ripening berries and tidy, upright habit, making it a practical choice for gardeners who want a strong start to blueberry season.

Final Thoughts: If you want an early blueberry that’s easy to harvest and delicious in the kitchen, ‘Duke’ delivers a bright, satisfying crop that makes the first taste of summer feel even sweeter.