Duke

Duke is an early-season northern highbush blueberry released by the USDA in 1987 and now one of the most widely grown early cultivars worldwide. It is valued for its consistent, heavy production of large, firm, light blue berries that ripen over a concentrated period, making harvest efficient. Duke flowers late but ripens early, a trait that helps it escape spring frost damage while still delivering one of the first crops of the season. The vigorous, upright bushes are cold hardy and productive. Commercial growers favor Duke for its excellent shelf life and machine-harvestability, while home gardeners appreciate the mild, sweet flavor that improves after a day or two off the bush.