Duke Blueberry is the early-season heavyweight, known for its remarkable productivity and large, firm, mild berries. This Northern highbush variety gets the season off to a strong start with reliable crops that are perfect for both fresh eating and the freezer, all on a manageable, cold-hardy shrub.

• A premier early-season Northern highbush valued for its consistent, very high yields of uniform, large berries.

• Berries are light blue with a thick bloom, very firm, and have a mild, sweet flavor with low acidity, making them widely appealing.

• Flowers late, avoiding damage from many late spring frosts, a key advantage in variable Bay Area springs.

• An upright, moderately vigorous shrub that is easy to manage and harvest from.

• Excellent winter hardiness and a long bloom-to-ripe period contribute to its reliability.

• The firm berries have a long shelf life and ship well, making Duke a commercial favorite that also excels in home gardens.

Flavor Profile:

• Flavor: Mild, sweet, and straightforward with very little tartness. The flavor is good, though not as complex or intense as some specialty varieties.

• Texture: Exceptionally firm and crisp, perhaps the firmest of all common varieties.

• Best Uses: An ideal commercial-style berry for fresh eating, fantastic for freezing whole (they don‘t get mushy), and great in baked goods where firmness is an asset.