The cranberry, which originally comes from North America - it is also sometimes referred to as cranberry in German - is a creeping plant that forms very long tendrils and grows to a maximum height of 30 to 40 centimeters. It is one of the heather plants and produces bright red fruits that are very rich in vitamins. Cranberries can also be grown successfully in Germany, as long as the soil is not too heavy.
How and when can cranberries be planted?
To plant cranberries successfully, you should choose a location in full sun with moist, humus-rich and acidic soil. Plant them between March and May or September to early October, half a meter apart. Bark mulch protects the plant from cold and drying out.
Which location do cranberries prefer?
Like almost all fruit trees, the cranberry needs a location that is as full of sun as possible. As a rule of thumb: the sunnier the plant is, the more fruit it produces.
What should the soil be like?
The soil should be as moist, humus-rich and acidic as possible - after all, it is a heather plant. If the soil in your garden does not meet these requirements, you can remedy the situation by adding plenty of rhododendron soil. However, the soil should not be too nutrient-rich, otherwise the cranberry will not develop any or only a few flowers and therefore no fruit. The cranberry also doesn't like calcareous soils. Peaty soil on which not much else wants to grow is best.
How and when is the best way to plant cranberries?
Planting time is from March to May and from September to early October. Thorough digging before planting is not necessary. It is enough if you loosen the soil a little and mix in ripe compost. Dig generously sized planting holes and place the plants there. The root ball should be covered with soil. Before planting, you should remove damaged roots with a sharp knife.
What distance between individual plants is ideal?
The cranberry is a ground-covering creeper. So you should plant a maximum of six plants per square meter. The individual plants need a distance of about half a meter from each other.
Flowering time / harvest time
The pink-white flowers appear from May to August. Like the berries, they are sensitive to frost. The berries can be harvested from October. Fully ripe berries have a red skin and red flesh throughout.
Can I propagate cranberries?
Yes, cranberry propagation is relatively easy via cuttings. To do this, you plant annual or perennial shoots in a planting hole approximately five to eight centimeters deep and water it thoroughly. The first roots should form within a few weeks.
Good and bad neighbors
Cranberries harmonize wonderfully with rhododendron bushes and blueberries, which have similar requirements in terms of soil quality and water requirements. These planting partners also protect the shrub from cold and drying out. Cranberries are quite sensitive to frost and therefore require appropriate protection.
Tips & Tricks
Cover the ground around the cranberry bushes with a thick layer of bark mulch, especially in winter. On the one hand, this protects the roots from frost and cold, and on the other hand, you ensure that the soil does not dry out.
