The American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a hardy, perennial shrub that produces tart, red berries known for their culinary and health benefits. Grown primarily for its nutrient-rich fruit, the cranberry bush thrives in acidic, moist soil and can be cultivated in both garden beds and container setups. This variety is perfect for gardeners interested in growing their own superfood—cranberries—which can be used in everything from homemade sauces and jellies to smoothies and salads. The perennial nature of this plant means it will continue to bear fruit year after year, making it a long-term addition to your garden. This pack includes 100 seeds, providing you with ample opportunities to grow your own fruitful cranberry bushes.

Key Features:

• Perennial Growth: The American Cranberry is a perennial, meaning it will return year after year, providing fresh fruit each season with minimal effort after establishment.
• Health Benefits: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, known for promoting urinary tract health, boosting immunity, and offering anti-inflammatory properties.
• Edible Fruit: The bright red berries are perfect for fresh consumption or for making cranberry sauces, jams, jellies, and even baked goods.
• Hardy and Adaptable: This variety of cranberry is adaptable to cold climates and hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, making it suitable for gardeners in a wide range of regions.
• Attractive Foliage and Flowers: In addition to producing delicious fruit, the cranberry bush has attractive green foliage and delicate, white or pinkish flowers that add ornamental value to your garden.

Growing Information:

Light:
Cranberries require full sun for the best fruit production, though they can tolerate partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and berry production.

Soil:
This plant thrives in acidic, well-draining soil. Ideal soil pH should range from 4.5 to 5.5. Amending soil with organic material like peat moss can help maintain the necessary acidity. The soil should remain moist but well-drained—cranberries do not like to sit in waterlogged conditions.

Planting Tips:
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date for your area. Cranberry seeds require cold stratification to germinate, so soak them in water for 24 hours before planting, and then refrigerate the seeds for 30 days to simulate winter conditions. After stratification, plant seeds in seed-starting trays, about 1/8 inch deep, and keep them moist and in a cool location. Once seedlings are established, harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into your garden or containers. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper growth.

Watering:
Cranberry bushes prefer consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. For best results, use drip irrigation or water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal diseases.

Temperature:
Cranberries are cold-hardy plants, thriving in USDA Zones 3-8. They do well in climates with cold winters and mild summers, but they are tolerant of both cool and warm weather once established.

Benefits:

• Nutrient-Rich Fruit: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, offering various health benefits, such as improving immune function and preventing urinary tract infections.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, cranberry plants are relatively low maintenance, providing a long-term fruit yield year after year.
• High Yield: Cranberry bushes are prolific producers, yielding large quantities of berries each season, which can be used in a variety of culinary dishes.
• Ornamental Appeal: Beyond their edible fruit, cranberry bushes have attractive foliage and delicate flowers, adding both beauty and function to your garden.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The flowers and berries of cranberry plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the berries provide a food source for birds.

Growing Zones:
The American Cranberry is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8. This range means it is suitable for gardeners in regions that experience cold winters and moderate summer temperatures. It can be grown in both cooler northern climates as well as areas with mild winters.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Edible Landscaping: The cranberry bush is a wonderful addition to an edible landscape. Its tart berries can be harvested for fresh eating or preserved for later use in jams, sauces, and baking.
• Containers and Raised Beds: Cranberries do well in containers or raised beds, making them a great option for gardeners with limited space or those growing in small urban gardens.
• Pollinator Garden: The white or pink flowers of the cranberry bush attract bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Wetland or Moist Area Planting: Cranberries thrive in moist, acidic soil, so they are perfect for planting in areas with high water retention, such as wetland gardens, boggy areas, or near ponds.

Conclusion:
The American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a versatile and rewarding perennial shrub that provides a dual-purpose of both ornamental beauty and edible fruit. With its health benefits, compact growth, and high yield, this plant is an excellent addition to any garden, especially for those who appreciate growing their own nutrient-rich fruit. The 100 seeds in this pack will give you ample opportunities to grow a cranberry bush that will thrive year after year. Whether you're looking to create a productive edible garden, attract pollinators, or enjoy delicious homemade cranberry products, this hardy and adaptable plant is an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.