American Cranberry - Vaccinium macrocarpon

American Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon is a perennial vine that grows up to 40 cm (16 inches) in height and spreads as wide as 6 meters (20 feet), making it an excellent choice for groundcover. Its dense, attractive foliage adds visual appeal, making it suitable for both decorative and functional gardening purposes.

Germination Guide: How to Grow American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Note: American Cranberry plants require approximately three months of cool temperatures (0-7°C/32-45°F) in winter to meet their chilling needs. They are not recommended for dry, subtropical, or tropical regions unless grown in elevated areas.

Step 1: Cold Stratification

Place seeds in a zip-lock bag with damp (not wet) peat moss, label with the date, and refrigerate for 12 weeks to break dormancy. Check weekly to maintain moisture and remove any sprouted seeds for planting. Cranberries thrive in acidic soil (pH 4-5), so prepare a mix of sand and compost with organic matter during this period, adjusting pH as needed.

Step 2: Sowing Seeds

After stratification, sow seeds in well-draining soil mixed with sand. Lightly cover them with soil and mist with water to prevent overwatering. Keep in a warm, partially sunny spot at 15-20°C (60-70°F). A heat mat or plastic wrap over the tray can help maintain warmth and moisture. Germination occurs within 6-8 weeks but may take up to 12 weeks.

Step 3: Seedling Care

Once sprouted, move seedlings to a sunny location. Transplant when they reach 10-15cm (4-6 inches) tall, keeping them in small to medium pots until after their first winter.

Step 4: Final Transplanting & Growth

Plant outdoors after the last frost, spacing plants 50cm (2 feet) apart. Once established, they tolerate harsh cold. Provide extra water during flowering and fruiting. While fruiting typically takes 3-5 years, ideal conditions may produce fruit within 12-18 months.

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