Vaccinium macrocarpon ( American Cranberry ) is a perennial, fruiting shrub that is native to cold regions of Canada and the United States. Preferring highly acidic soils, the Cranberry plant produces sour pink and red berries which nutritious, used medicinally and a popular condiment over the holiday season.
Suitable for Sub-Arctic, Cold and Temperate climates.
Other common names for Vaccinium macrocarpon include the Bearberry and Large Cranberry.
American Cranberry plants are native to central and eastern Canada and north and central United States. They are commercially grown in wetland bogs with soil consisting of organic matter and sand.
Click here to view fruit range.
Growth
Vaccinium macrocarpon is a perennial fruiting vine that reaches a maximum height of around 40cm (16 inches) but spreads much wider sometimes reaching 6 metres (20 feet) in width. Cranberry plants provide attractive foliage and can spread a bit like a groundcover. Despite this, Cranberries can be grown indoors, in containers and in planter boxes or raised beds. Although commercially grown in bogs it is not required to achieve fruit.
The vine needs exposure to enough cool temperatures during the winter to satisfy their chilling requirement. It does not need to be freezing temperatures, but they do need about 3 months of temperatures that consistently fall in the 0-7°C (32-45°F) range. In warmer climates, the plants will grow but just not produce flowers or fruit.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Ericaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Arctic, Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-25°C to 30°C / -14 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, 50/50 sand and soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 40cm (16 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
pH:
4.0-5.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium-High.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
1-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
35-55%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification – 3 months and then 6-8 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 2000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT VACCINIUM MACROCARPON ( American Cranberry )
The common name, Cranberry comes from the shape of the flower stamen, which looks like the beak of a Crane bird. Common uses of the berries include sauces, jellies, juices, and as a dried fruit.
There is some evidence that suggests the berries, or the juice can be used to treat urinary tract infections.
For information on the medicinal benefits of Cranberries click here.
