Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) DUKE

Northern Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) 'Duke'

Top-tier early variety with high frost resistance and exceptionally firm berries.

'Duke' is one of the most popular and widely grown early blueberry varieties in the world. This American variety has won over growers due to its extraordinary reliability, high yields, and adaptability to various conditions. It is self-fertile, grows vigorously and healthily, and its berries are world-class in terms of firmness and shelf life, making them ideal for both storage and transport.

Key Highlights:

• Early ripening: One of the first varieties of the season (July).
• High resilience: Tolerates severe frosts as well as summer heatwaves.
• Firm and durable fruits: The best choice for extended storage.
• Consistent bearing: Stable high yields with basic care.
• Healthy growth and low susceptibility to diseases.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: USA (released in 1987).

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Healthy, strong, and upright. Reaches a height of about 170 cm at maturity.
• Habit: The bush has an open habit, which facilitates harvesting, but requires regular pruning to maintain vigor.
• Flowering: Blooms relatively late, avoiding late spring frosts, even though the fruit ripens early.

Fruit

• Size: Medium to large berries of uniform size.
• Color and Quality: Light blue with an attractive waxy bloom. Fruits are exceptionally firm and crisp.
• Flavor: Pleasant, balanced, and sweet.
• Usage: Excellent for fresh consumption, freezing, and the "king" of shelf life.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Very high frost hardiness (down to -34 °C).
• Climate: Unique for its ability to handle hot summer days well.
• Diseases: Known for its high natural resistance to common diseases.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-fertile variety, produces reliably even in single-variety plantings.
• Pruning: Requires regular thinning to prevent overbearing and maintain fruit size.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early variety, ripening during July.
• Shelf life: Outstanding; berries retain their freshness and firmness for a long time.