Northern highbush / Cultivar notes
Dukeblueberry
An early-fruiting blueberry with large, firm berries. Worth comparing when you want to start picking sooner.
Independent research reviewed September 6, 2026.
Nursery specifications checked September 5. Not a firsthand growing trial.
The decision, in brief
An earlier harvest.
Compare with Bluecrop if you are choosing between an earlier harvest and a midseason crop.
Our interpretation of the cited specifications. Start with local suitability.
At a glance
- Blueberry typeSource ↗
- Northern highbush
- USDA zonesSource ↗
- 4-7 (supplier range)
- Mature heightSource ↗
- 4-6 ft
- Mature spreadSource ↗
- 4-6 ft
- Winter chillSource ↗
- 800-1,000 hours (supplier estimate)
- Harvest timingSource ↗
- Early
- Berry sizeSource ↗
- Large
- Flavor descriptionSource ↗
- Sweet-tart
- Container supportSource ↗
- Not verified in this guide
- PollinationSource ↗
- Self-fertile; a compatible second variety can improve the crop.
Read the growing context.
Relative order in OSU’s Pacific Northwest guide. Actual dates vary by location and year. Timing source ↗
OSU flags sensitivity to root rot and poor soil conditions. Drainage deserves particular attention with Duke. Read the source ↗
Check local extension advice as well as the supplier’s range before you plant. The same variety can perform differently across regions.
What the research adds.
Beyond the nursery listing
Early fruit is not early bloom
Santa Clara observers describe early harvesting despite later spring bloom. Read the evidence ↗
For your decision. Keep the harvest plan separate from the pollenizer question. Ask about local flowering overlap.
Santa Clara County, California. Local observations, not a national performance or chill guarantee.
Independent evidence reviewed .
Compare Duke & BluecropGo beyond the specifications
Read the tradeoffs.
Before you order Duke.
- Check the listed 4–7 zone range against local guidance, winter chill and spring frost conditions.
- Measure the mature footprint: 4-6 ft tall, 4-6 ft wide. Ask the nursery to fill any unverified size information.
- Resolve a locally supported pollination plan; a comparison is not a pairing guarantee.
- Confirm the plant size being shipped, delivery restrictions and the nursery’s replacement terms.
Check the details
Sources for this profile
Nursery specification
Stark Bro’s: Duke blueberry ↗Published plant specifications; calendar harvest dates are not region-specific.
University extension
OSU Extension: Blueberry Cultivars for the Pacific Northwest ↗Pacific Northwest. Cultivar observations are not a nationwide growing guarantee.
Regional growing observations
UC Master Gardeners: Santa Clara County variety observations ↗Santa Clara County, California. Local observations, not a national performance or chill guarantee.
Nursery specifications checked ; independent research reviewed . Read our editorial approach.
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