Characteristics and description of the Duke blueberry variety, planting and care instructions

The Duke blueberry is considered one of the most frost-hardy varieties. It was developed by American breeders who crossed Early Blue and Ivanhoe in 1972. This variety is easy to grow and maintain. The sweet-tart berries with a tart finish are excellent for freezing and processing for culinary use.

History of Duke blueberry breeding

Duke blueberry (garden bilberry, highbush blueberry, Vaccinium scutellum) is a popular American cultivar, developed by Arthur Galetta and other renowned breeders. The variety was officially registered in the Russian Federation State Register only in 2025.

Habitat

The culture is found primarily in North America. In Russia, it grows in the Moscow region, central Russia, and the Volga region.

Description and characteristics

Blueberry Duke is an early, high-yielding variety., which adapts perfectly to climatic conditions with large temperature fluctuations.

Bush

Duke blueberry is a tall-growing plant, producing upright, vigorous bushes. Mature plants reach a height of 1.7-1.9 meters. Shoots are weakly developed but branch extensively. The smooth, oval leaves range in color from dark green (in summer) to bright red (in fall).

Flowering and fruiting

The Duke blueberry begins blooming in late May. The flowers are bell-shaped and delicately pink. The fairly large berries, up to 2 centimeters in diameter, ripen by the end of July.

Collection and scope of application of fruits

The Duke blueberry produces large, round berries with sweet-tart flesh and numerous seeds. A single bush yields 4 to 8 kilograms of fruit, which can be eaten fresh or preserved or frozen.

Frost and disease resistance

Blueberries' high frost resistance is ensured by their buds and wood, which protect the plant from winter cold.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The variety's main advantages include high yield, hardiness, and late flowering, which prevents fruit spoilage from spring frosts. Disadvantages include the need for periodic pruning and intolerance to excessive moisture.

Landing conditions

Spring is considered the optimal time for planting outdoors. Seedlings can be placed in containers in late fall, constantly monitoring the soil pH.

Site selection and preparation

Blueberries are best planted in an open, sunny location, sheltered from strong winds. The plant requires very light, acidic soil. A pH of 3.5 to 5 is considered optimal.

Timing and technology of planting seedlings

When planting, seedlings should not be planted deeper than 7-8 centimeters into the soil. The minimum distance between adjacent plants is 1 meter. In the central part of the country, young seedlings are planted in the spring; in the south, in early fall.

Specifics of care

Duke blueberry is a very unpretentious plant; to care for it, you should adhere to the following rules:

1. Use warm water for watering. Watering should be done in the morning or evening.
2. Blueberries are watered twice over a ten-day period. A mature bush requires 9-12 liters of water.

Treatment with a solution of soda or laundry soap helps against aphid attacks.

Irrigation

Blueberries require regular watering. However, stagnant water and overwatering have a negative impact on the root system. Watering requirements are similar to those for garden crops such as potatoes and carrots. The active fruiting stage requires intensive watering.

Fertilizer

Fertilize the bush annually. Duke blueberries are best fertilized with nitrogen fertilizers combined with potassium and phosphorus supplements. Compost and various types of manure are not recommended for this purpose.

Loosening and mulching the soil

Many gardeners recommend mulching the soil around the plant. Peat and pine sawdust, applied in a layer of 7.5 to 10 centimeters, are excellent for this purpose.

Formative pruning

Pruning is only permitted if the plant is at least 6 years old. Typically, four young and four old branches are left. Berry bushes are pruned in early spring, before the buds begin to open en masse. Diseased, weak, or deformed shoots are always removed.

Preventive treatments

Sprawling bushes require support, which can be achieved by installing special supports. If necessary, branches can be tied together and tied to stakes.

Pests

Hares are big fans of blueberry bark, so gardeners need to protect their plants from rodents. Other pests include cockchafers, leaf rollers, and aphids.

Gray rot

To prevent gray mold, spray the plant with ferrous sulfate after spring. High-nitrogen products help combat the fungus.

Anthracnose

To prevent anthracnose, regularly thin the crown and remove fallen leaves from under the bush. Treatment is carried out with Fitosporin and its analogues.

Wintering of the crop

The crop is considered frost-resistant, but in case of winters with little snow, it is recommended to cover the plants with agrofibre or other material.

How to grow blueberries

Nurseries use seeds to propagate blueberries. However, it's much easier and quicker to propagate the bush from cuttings and layering.

Gardeners' reviews of the variety

Most gardeners describe the Duke blueberry as an easy-to-grow and resilient variety, producing aromatic fruit with excellent flavor. With regular watering, care, and timely fertilization with Bordeaux mixture, even novice gardeners will have no trouble growing this variety.