Blueberry Duke (Duke)
Ripening period: early, July
Fruits: 2.0 gr., light blue
Growing conditions: open and protected ground
Yield: 6-8 kg/plant
Selection: USA
| Ripening period | Early variety |
| fruit size | Large-fruited varieties |
| Productivity: | high |
| Selection | USA |
Duke – a tall blueberry variety bred by American breeders in 1972 by crossing Ivanhoe and Airlie Blue varieties. In 1987, blueberries were approved for commercial cultivation.
Varieties:
- high yield;
- frost resistance up to –34°С;
- unpretentiousness;
- decorative properties of a shrub.
Variety features
Shrub 1.2-1.8 m in height, with straight shoots and large smooth elliptical leaves. In autumn, the foliage changes color to red. Blueberries bloom in the second half of May, decorating the garden with a delicate light pink haze.
Fruits rounded, 1.5-2 cm in diameter, weighing about 2 g. The skin of ripe blueberries is light blue with a silvery coating. Pulp – olive, juicy, dense. The taste is sweet with a refreshing aftertaste.
Purpose. Blueberry Duke is resistant to transportation, picking berries – dry. The variety is suitable for cultivation for personal and commercial purposes. Good for fresh consumption, decorating desserts, processing.
Productivity of the Duke variety is high – 6-8 kg of berries from a bush. Blueberry ripening – early, friendly, 2nd decade of July. Harvest at 45-60 days from the moment of mass flowering. Fruiting begins from the second planting season.
Growing conditions.
The Duke blueberry variety is resistant to frost and sudden changes in temperature, and is not damaged by late spring frosts.
Blueberries are self-fertile, bloom and produce stable yields without cross-pollination with other varieties.
For good growth and fruiting, blueberries need:
- Light sandy or acidic (peaty) soils, pH 3.5-5.0.
- Sunny, warm areas. Light shading is acceptable during the midday hours. In the total shade, the berries will be less sweet, and the yield of the variety will be minimal, up to the absence of fruiting.
- Protection of the plant from northern winds and drafts in the form of a fence or hedge.
- Frequent plentiful watering. In moderately warm weather, blueberries are watered 2-3 times a week, in heat and drought – daily. Volume of water – 1 bucket per bush.
Selection of seedlings
Before you buy blueberry seedlings Duke, pay attention to the quality of the planting material.
- The age of suitable seedlings is 2-3 years,
- The root system – developed, moist, without breaks. Preferably closed type (with a clod of earth).
- The shoots are "alive", without dryness, damage and signs of disease.
Beware of fakes and contaminated planting material, buy blueberry seedlings «Duke» in professional nurseries and specialized stores.