Cranberry
Fruits
Advanced
Perennial

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Photo: christine123 · CC BY

About Plant: Cranberry

A unique, low-growing evergreen that produces tart red berries in fall. While commercially grown in bogs, cranberries can thrive in acidic garden soil or containers with the right conditions.

Growing Profile

SunlightFull Sun (6-8 hrs)
WaterHigh (bog-like conditions)
SoilAcidic, peat-rich, moist (4.0–5.5)
Spacing12-18 inches
Height6–8 inches
Time to HarvestFirst harvest in year 3
Planting DepthSame as nursery pot, set in peat-amended soil
Germination TimeN/A (grown from cuttings or nursery plants)

Expert Growing Tips

Maintain acidic soil (pH 4-5.5). Keep constantly moist but not waterlogged. Sand top-dress annually promotes rooting. Patience — full production takes 3 years.