Used to make homemade cranberry sauce, bake a delicious pie, or to decorate a seasonal wreath, the glossy, red, cranberry fruit epitomise the festive season. 

The cranberry is an evergreen, dwarf shrub that provides an injection of festive colour in the garden during winter. Native to the northern hemisphere, it is hardy enough to withstand Scotland’s colder temperatures, but more importantly, the cranberry plant loves rain!

Small Space Gardening

Unlike many berries which grow on tall bushes, cranberries generally grow on bushes which are low-growing with a spreading, rather than an upright habit, so are ideal for a small garden.

The evergreen leaves take on tints of red and bronze in autumn, and in spring, dainty pink flowers appear, making it a hard working plant for a small space.

Ideal Growing Conditions

The most important thing a cranberry needs to survive is acidic soil conditions – soil with a pH of less than 5. If rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias thrive in your garden, then you most probably have acidic soil which will suit cranberries.

The plant needs to enter a dormant phase to establish growth and will require around three months of temperatures between 0-7℃, making it a great option for planting in Scottish gardens during winter. 

A cranberry needs plenty of moisture, preferably rainwater, but ensure you have a well-draining soil to avoid water-logging.

Position the plant to receive much sun as possible so plant it in a south-facing direction.

Whilst cranberries are self-fertile, planting several shrubs at once will encourage pollination and increase production. Plant 90cm-1.2m (3-4ft) apart to allow space for the bushes to spread over time.

Apply a mulch in late autumn to give added frost protection to the roots.

Plant in Pots

As small shrubs, cranberries are ideal for planting in pots or hanging baskets. Choose a container which is a couple of inches wider than the pot the cranberry came in, and fill it with ericaceous soil. 

Avoid positioning the pot next to walls or fences which may offer shelter, but will prevent the plant from receiving enough rain.

Best Time to Plant

The best time to plant a cranberry is just before, or during, the dormant winter season. You will however, need to have some patience as cranberries do not usually start to bear fruit until the second or third growing season, meaning it can take up to three years to yield results.

Maintenance and Pruning

One of the benefits of planting a cranberry is that it is a relatively low-maintenance shrub and does not need much pruning. The most important thing to remember is not to begin pruning until the third year of growth when it has begun to bear fruit. 

The best time to prune a cranberry is in winter after it has been harvested, and when it is dormant. A light prune is all that is needed to thin out older stems and avoid overcrowding.

Harvesting

Your patience will eventually be rewarded with the presence of flourishing cranberry fruit, perfect for harvesting from September through to early November. The fruits are ready to be picked when they have turned from yellow to green, and then to red, and can be preserved in a jar or frozen until Christmas.

Cranberry fruit is best eaten sweetened or cooked, as the raw flavour packs a tart punch. Once mellowed into a tangy, fruit sauce, the flavour balances out the oil in meats, and the creaminess in deserts and cheeses.

Did You Know?

Cranberries are good for your teeth. They contain natural compounds called flavonoids, which help to reduce plaque build-up and bacteria.