Duke is a well known commercial variety because of its high yields and sturdy fruit. Duke will easily produce 10-20 pounds of fruit on a single plant, once established. It produces early in the season; usually the beginning of July in the Fraser Valley. The berries are large and firm with a tangy but sweet floral flavor. Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C with Duke being no exception. Duke bushes are vigorous and fast growing with bushes reaching 5-6 feet in the first 5 years. Hardy through zones 4-8 Blueberries grow best in slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils. We suggest mixing in some wood chips from softwood or hardwood trees (but not cedar) into the planting hole and as a mulch. They thrive in full sun locations but can withstand partial shade. To ensure optimal harvest we recommend a light winter pruning, removing damaged or crossing branches and thinning out some of the older branches once the bush has gone dormant. Blueberries work well in containers and can easily be kept for several years in a rich bark based potting soil. There is no need to take them indoors, though they would appreciate being set out of the wind during Arctic outflow events.
