How to Grow Cranberry Trees

Despite its name, the cranberry tree is properly described as a bush.

The cranberry tree (Viburnum opulus), also known as highbush cranberry, crampbark, gaiter tree and witchopp, is really a vine-like shrub that grows to a height of 12 feet and is part of the honeysuckle family. The cranberry tree is native to the U.S., although closely related European varieties are available. Gardeners grow it for its ornamental value as well as its fruits, which are harvested in late summer and fall after June and July flowering. You can buy young specimens in pots from garden stores for planting out in the garden.

Things You'll Need

• Spade
• Compost
• Pruners

Instructions

1. Prepare a bed for the cranberry by tilling the soil to a depth of 12 inches and amending the dirt one-to-one with well-rotted compost. Choose a sunny spot that has good drainage.

2. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to easily accommodate the young cranberry’s root ball.

3. Remove the plant from its container gently, avoiding damage to the roots. Place in the hole, cover over to the base of the stem with compost and firm down.

4. Water the plant thoroughly. Once established, the soil around the plant should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

5. Add a 3-inch layer of compost around the plant in the spring.

6. Prune cranberry trees after they have fruited. Cut out straggling or broken branches to encourage new growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Cranberry trees thrive in full sun but do tolerate part-shade.

• If you don’t have a well-drained spot, help your cranberry by filling the bottom of its hole with a 3-inch layer of coarse sand.

• Cranberries grow best in acid soil with a pH value of 4 to 5.5.

References

• U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service: Highbush Cranberry
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Cranberries

Resources

• Agricultural Marketing Resource Center: Cranberries Profile