Cranberry seeds (pre-stratified)
Cranberries grow along bogs and rivers but can be grown at home as well. The key to growing a cranberry bush is to make sure your soil is very acidic. A PH of 5 or lower will suffice. Like other berries (blueberries, raspberries, etc), berry bushes and shrubs thrive in acidic soil.
The last variable you will need to consider is your hardiness zone. For folks in colder zones, you can grow these easily. Cranberry bushes need about 3 months of cold weather to trigger berry growth during the spring. You will need 3 months of an average of 30º-45º (F). These do best in zones 2-7. Shrubs can reach upwards of 12 feet tall and will need full sun to partial shade.
Seed count: 20
Botanical name:
Vaccinium subg. Oxycoccus
Spacing:
2 - 3 feet apart
Sowing depth:
1/4 inch
Color:
Dark green foilage with dark red berries
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Frost hardy:
Yes
Maturity:
3-5 years from seed to fruit
Utilization:
The berries can be eaten fresh, dried, candied, or used for jams and jellies. The berries can be used in salads, stuffings, fruit salads, breads, tarts, and much more.
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes, use a container that is 15 inches in diameter or larger.
Other names:
Moorberry, mossberry, bearberry
Vine Habit: