{"product_id":"blueberry-duke","title":"Blueberry, Duke","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"49\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"49\"\u003eBlueberry, Duke (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke')\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"51\" data-end=\"496\"\u003eDuke is one of the earliest ripening northern highbush blueberries, prized for its dependable harvests, excellent flavor, and exceptional cold hardiness. This vigorous variety produces abundant clusters of firm, light blue berries with a sweet, mildly tangy flavor that improves as the fruit fully ripens. Its attractive white spring blossoms and brilliant orange-red fall foliage make Duke an excellent ornamental addition to edible landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1lo798l\" data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"522\"\u003eKey Characteristics:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"631\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"549\"\u003eEarly Season Harvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the first highbush blueberries to ripen, extending the fresh berry season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"633\" data-end=\"770\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"633\" data-end=\"661\"\u003eExcellent Fruit Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, firm, light blue berries with a sweet, balanced flavor, ideal for fresh eating, baking, and freezing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"772\" data-end=\"879\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"772\" data-end=\"794\"\u003eReliable Producer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Consistently produces heavy crops year after year with excellent disease resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"999\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"896\"\u003eCold Hardy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Performs exceptionally well in regions with cold winters and is highly tolerant of late spring frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1sb5zx1\" data-start=\"1001\" data-end=\"1021\"\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1325\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1040\"\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4-6 feet\u003cbr data-start=\"1049\" data-end=\"1052\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1052\" data-end=\"1067\"\u003eFruit Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early season\u003cbr data-start=\"1080\" data-end=\"1083\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1083\" data-end=\"1103\"\u003eFruit Qualities:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, firm, sweet light blue berries with excellent storage quality\u003cbr data-start=\"1172\" data-end=\"1175\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1191\"\u003eChill Hours:\u003c\/strong\u003e 800-1,000 hours\u003cbr data-start=\"1207\" data-end=\"1210\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1210\" data-end=\"1235\"\u003ePollination Partners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best pollinated by Bluecrop, Patriot, Blueray, or Jersey.\u003cbr data-start=\"1293\" data-end=\"1296\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1321\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1327\" data-end=\"1794\"\u003eBlueberries are a valuable addition to fruit tree guilds in permaculture systems. Positioned in the shrub layer, they benefit from the shade and protection of larger trees while providing ground-level diversity. Their flowers attract pollinators, and their roots help with moisture retention, enhancing the overall health and productivity of the guild. Their nutrient-dense berries offer a reliable food source, complementing the fruit production of the larger trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1796\" data-end=\"2450\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eNorthern highbush blueberries are best suited for cooler climates, thriving in USDA zones 4-7. These plants require well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) and full sun for optimal fruit production. Blueberries benefit from mulch to retain moisture, prevent weeds, and protect shallow roots. Consistent watering is essential, especially during fruiting. Blueberries are self-fertile, but cross-pollination increases the overall yield, improves the size and quality of the berries, and leads to a more abundant harvest. Add organic compost or sulfur to the soil to maintain its acidity. Regular pruning encourages healthy growth and more abundant fruiting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Farm Connection","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":47405190054147,"sku":null,"price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2 Gallon","offer_id":49309113778435,"sku":"SFS-5016","price":1.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/1128\/8067\/files\/blueberry-duke-bare-root.png?v=1762361788","url":"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/products\/blueberry-duke","provider":"The Farm Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}