{"product_id":"duke-blueberry","title":"Duke Blueberry","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDuke Blueberry – Early, Abundant \u0026amp; Built to Thrive\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want blueberries before anyone else on the block, the \u003cstrong\u003eDuke Blueberry\u003c\/strong\u003e is your answer. One of the most popular highbush blueberry varieties in North America, Duke is prized for its early ripening season, exceptional yields, and outstanding cold hardiness — a reliable, low-maintenance performer that delivers year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet, mild, and firm with a classic blueberry flavor, Duke berries are perfect for fresh eating, baking, freezing, and making jams. Available in 1 Gallon, 1–2 ft., and 2–3 ft. sizes, as well as money-saving \u003cstrong\u003e2-Packs\u003c\/strong\u003e for maximum yield through cross-pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You’ll Love the Duke Blueberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEarly-Season Harvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the first highbush blueberries to ripen each season — enjoy fresh berries in late June to early July while most varieties are still weeks away\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional Yields:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy, reliable crops of large, firm berries year after year — a consistent performer even in challenging conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding Cold Hardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy to Zone 4 — one of the most cold-tolerant highbush blueberry varieties available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSweet, Mild Flavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Classic blueberry taste with a firm texture that holds up beautifully in baking, freezing, and fresh eating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUpright, Tidy Form:\u003c\/strong\u003e Naturally compact and upright growth habit — easy to manage in garden beds, raised beds, or large containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour Seasons of Beauty:\u003c\/strong\u003e White bell-shaped flowers in spring, abundant blue berries in summer, brilliant crimson foliage in fall, and attractive branching structure through winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSingle vs. 2-Pack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlueberries produce significantly more fruit when cross-pollinated with another variety. While Duke can produce on its own, planting two or more blueberry bushes together — whether two Dukes or a Duke paired with another variety — dramatically increases berry size, yield, and consistency. Our \u003cstrong\u003e2-Pack\u003c\/strong\u003e is the best value for serious growers and the fastest path to abundant harvests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Zones \u0026amp; Care Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zones 4–7. Duke is one of the hardiest highbush blueberry varieties, thriving across a wide range of cool-to-mild climates. It requires 800–1,000 chill hours (hours below 45°F) to break dormancy and fruit reliably.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun — 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit production and berry size. Tolerates partial shade but with reduced yields.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist, especially during fruit development. Blueberries have shallow roots and dry out quickly — mulching with wood chips or pine bark helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acidic soil is essential — pH 4.5–5.5. This is the single most important factor for blueberry success. Test your soil before planting and amend with sulfur or peat moss if needed. Use an acidic blueberry potting mix for containers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use an acid-forming fertilizer (formulated for blueberries, azaleas, or rhododendrons) in early spring and again after fruiting. Avoid standard balanced fertilizers, which can raise soil pH over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal pruning needed for the first 3–4 years. After establishment, remove old, unproductive canes at the base in late winter to encourage vigorous new fruiting wood. Duke’s upright habit makes it one of the easiest blueberries to prune.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late June through mid-July — among the earliest highbush blueberries to ripen. Berries are ready when fully blue, slightly soft, and release easily from the cluster with a gentle roll of the fingers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePair It With Another Blueberry Favorite\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to add visual drama to your blueberry patch? Our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pink-lemonade-blueberry\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePink Lemonade Blueberry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e produces stunning blush-pink berries with a sweet, distinctive flavor — a beautiful and productive companion to Duke that cross-pollinates perfectly and extends your harvest with a unique ornamental twist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly, abundant, and effortlessly beautiful — the Duke Blueberry is the reliable foundation every blueberry garden deserves.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Live Good Logistics","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft. \/ Single","offer_id":51869968695576,"sku":"EDB-BLU-DUK-23-3G","price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1-2 ft. \/ Single","offer_id":51869968728344,"sku":"EDB-BLU-DUK-12-3G","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1-2 ft. \/ 2-Pack","offer_id":51869968761112,"sku":"EDB-BLU-DUK-12-3G-2PACK","price":149.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Gallon \/ Single","offer_id":51869968793880,"sku":"EDB-BLU-DUK-NA-1G","price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Gallon \/ 2-Pack","offer_id":51869968826648,"sku":"EDB-BLU-DUK-NA-1G-2PACK","price":74.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1110\/4944\/files\/Duke_Blueberry_Fruit.jpg?v=1774774476","url":"https:\/\/www.hendersongardensupply.com\/products\/duke-blueberry","provider":"Henderson Garden Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}