Blueberry – Duke

$20.00

The most cold-hardy highbush variety is referred to as a half-high. Technically it is a cross between the highbush blueberry and a lowbush species. Developed at Michigan State University in a program to develop a more cold-hardy variety.  It is easy to grow and adaptable to many different soil types. The berries are excellent for jams and baking because of their high sugar content. Beautiful bright yellow wood and compact shape. 1.2-4 m (4-7′) tall at maturity.

This plant does not technically need a partner to produce fruit, however it is recommended to cross-pollinate with other varieties to increase fruit production.

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Description

Botanical name
Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’

Family
Ericaceae

Spacing
Set plants 1.2-2.4 m (4-8′) apart.

Depth
Dig a hole 51 cm (20″) by  51 cm wide for each bush. Set plants 2.5-5 cm (1-2″) deeper than they were in the nursery.

Requirements
Full sun. Acidic, moist, organic, well-drained soil. pH should be 4.5 to 5.5. Blueberries have shallow roots and require a uniform and adequate moisture supply throughout the growing season. They do well with trickle or drip irrigation.

Pests
Few serious insect pests and diseases.

Timing
Bushes should be planted in the early spring.

Growing
Water regularly throughout the growing season.  After the first 2 or 3 years, begin to prune out the oldest stems each autumn in order to encourage healthy new growth the following year. Cover fruits with netting in summer to protect fruit from hungry birds.

Harvest
Mid-July

Season
Perennial