American Cranberry

What you'll need:

A pot or garden space that stays consistently moist

Acidic soil mix (you can buy "acid-loving plant" soil or make your own by mixing regular soil with peat moss and sand)

Mulch (pine needles or bark work well)

Watering can or hose

• American Cranberry plants or cuttings (you can find them at nurseries or online)

When to start:

Cranberries are best planted in early spring when the risk of frost has passed, or in the fall before the ground freezes. If you're planting in containers, you can start anytime, but spring is ideal.

Finding a good spot:

American Cranberries love water but don’t like standing in it for too long. They thrive in bogs or wetlands, but you can mimic this environment in your garden. Choose a spot that gets full sun (6-8 hours) but also retains moisture well. If your soil isn’t naturally acidic, raised beds or containers are a great option because you’ll have more control over the soil conditions.

Tip: Cranberries are low-growing plants, so they won’t take up much vertical space, but they spread out quite a bit. Make sure to give each plant about 2 feet of space.

If using potted cranberry plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the cranberry plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Fill the hole back in with your prepared acidic soil mix.
4. Gently press down the soil around the plant to remove any air pockets.
5. Water thoroughly right after planting to help settle the soil.

If using cuttings:

1. Plant the cutting in a mix of peat moss and sand, burying about half of the cutting in the soil.
2. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy while the roots develop.
3. Once the cutting has established roots (this may take several weeks), you can transplant it into its permanent location.

Mulching: After planting, spread a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture, keep weeds down, and maintain the acidity of the soil.

Tip: Cranberries are shallow-rooted, so be careful not to damage the roots when planting or weeding around them.

Watering:

• Cranberries love moisture! Water regularly to keep the soil damp, especially during dry spells.
• If you live in an area with less rainfall, consider setting up a drip irrigation system to ensure consistent moisture.
• Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but also avoid waterlogging, as cranberries don’t like sitting in stagnant water.

Feeding:

• Fertilize your cranberry plants once in early spring and again in late spring with an acid-loving plant fertilizer (like the kind used for azaleas or blueberries).
• Be careful not to over-fertilize, as cranberries don’t need a lot of nutrients. Too much fertilizer can harm the plant.

Sunlight and Temperature:

• Cranberries grow best in full sun but can tolerate some light shade.
• They prefer cooler climates and can survive cold winters, but if temperatures drop below -20°F (-29°C), you might want to cover them with burlap or a frost cloth.

Weeding:

• Keep the area around your cranberries weed-free, as weeds compete for nutrients and water.
• Use mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Pruning:

• Once your cranberry plant is established (after the first year), prune it lightly in the spring to remove any dead or weak stems. This encourages new growth and helps maintain a healthy plant.

When to pick your cranberries:

• Cranberries are typically ready to harvest in the fall, usually from late September to early November.
• You’ll know they’re ripe when the berries turn a deep red color and feel firm to the touch.
• An easy way to check if they’re ready is to gently bounce them—if they bounce, they’re ripe!

How to pick:

• Cranberries can be harvested by hand-picking, but a fun and efficient method is the “wet harvest” technique:
  1. Flood the area where the cranberries are growing (if possible) or soak the soil heavily.
  2. The ripe cranberries will float to the surface, and you can easily collect them with a scoop or net.
• If flooding isn't an option, simply pick the berries by hand.

Storing Cranberries:

• Fresh cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
• For longer storage, freeze the cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a year in the freezer.

Q: Do cranberries need a lot of water?

A: Yes, cranberries need consistently moist soil, especially during their growing season. However, they don’t like standing water, so make sure the soil drains well while staying damp.

Q: Can I grow cranberries in containers?

A: Absolutely! Cranberries do well in large pots or containers, especially if you use a mix of peat moss, sand, and acidic soil. Just make sure the container has good drainage holes and keep the soil moist.

Q: How long does it take for cranberries to produce fruit?

A: Cranberries usually start producing fruit in their second or third year. Be patient—they’re worth the wait!

Q: Why are my cranberry leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean a few things: either the soil is too alkaline (cranberries need acidic soil), or the plant is getting too much water. Check your soil pH and adjust watering accordingly.

Q: Do cranberries need pollinators?

A: Yes, cranberries benefit from pollinators like bees. If you notice poor fruit set, consider attracting more bees to your garden by planting flowers nearby or avoiding pesticides.