Cranberries are very unique plants. They’re not really a berry, but they’re not a fruit either. They’re actually a small, firm, dry fruit. A member of the rose family, cranberries grow on small, low-growing shrubs. They have tough, spiny skin and are covered with tiny, soft, sweet-tasting seeds. These seeds can be eaten raw or used to make delicious, sweet cranberry sauce and relish. The tiny seeds are an important source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, one cup of raw cranberries provides you with almost three days’ worth of vitamin C!
But as vibrant and beautiful as they are, growing cranberries is not easy. It takes a lot of work and patience to bring them from seed to mature, fruit-bearing shrubs. But if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning and unique shrub that’s full of beautiful berries. But how do you grow cranberries? What are the steps you need to take to grow these berry-producing plants? Below is an expert guide on how to grow cranberries from a cranberry extract supplier.
There Are Two Methods for Growing Cranberries
Upright method:
The upright method is the most popular way to grow cranberries today. It has also been around the longest. In this method, a series of beds are created in which the berries can grow. Water is pumped into these beds so that they can be flooded, which helps to protect the berries from cold temperatures and other hazards. The water is drained towards the end of the harvest season so that the cranberries can be collected with ease.
Matted row method:
This is an older method of cranberry culture that is not used as much anymore because it’s more difficult to manage than the upright method. In this method, long strips of land are used to grow the berries, which then spread outwards across them. A system of ditches is used to flood these strips when needed and drain them when harvesting time comes around.
Where Do Cranberries Grow?
Cranberries grow on a low creeping vine, similar to blueberry bushes. They are most commonly cultivated in bogs, but they also thrive along the shores in peaty and sandy areas. This is good news for you because it means that you can harvest cranberries right from your backyard!
The great part about cranberries is you don’t need a huge space to grow them successfully. You will want an area with full or partial sun, so pick a spot with these conditions. Planting your cranberry vines in the spring is ideal because this gives them plenty of time to develop roots before winter arrives.
If you’re planting from seed, plant the seeds in trays and then transplant them into your garden when they have grown large enough. Be sure to use soil that drains well — sandy soil is ideal. You’ll want to keep your soil moist until the plants have had time to establish themselves. The amount of water each plant needs will vary depending on the weather conditions and where exactly you live. However, most cranberries thrive in moist conditions and will not do well if their soil has been allowed to dry out.
Once your plants are established, they should produce fruit every year without too much work on your part.
