The Time From Seedling to Producing Fruit With a High-Bush Cranberry

Growth

• Native throughout most of Canada and the northern U.S., the low-maintenance high-bush cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americanum, formerly Viburnum trilobum) is extremely cold-hardy, growing throughout Zone 2. These deciduous shrubs grow up to 3 feet per year, eventually reaching 8 to 15 feet tall and equally wide. Planted just a few feet apart, they develop into a dense summer privacy hedge. Fruit persists well into winter, attracting birds and other wildlife. High-bush cranberry grows well in sun or partial shade, tolerates frost and prefers rich, moist but well-drained loamy soils. Mulch the root area to help keep soil moist. Rich compost is all the fertilizer these plants require. Light renewal pruning--cutting old branches all the way back to the ground--keeps fruit coming.

Fruit

• High-bush cranberry fruits--actually drupes--ripen in late summer or early fall, like cranberries, and are similarly bright red, juicy and quite acidic and tart, with a high level of vitamin C. They can be eaten raw or cooked, like cranberries, and are excellent in jams, preserves and sauces. They can be blended with apples or rhubarb for a tasty pie. Fruits are also high in vitamin A and fiber--and very high in antioxidants: fresh high-bush cranberries score 174 compared to 24 for healthful, high-antioxidant blueberries.

Harvest

• Large clusters of berries develop from the panicles of tiny white flowers that appear in late spring or early summer. Fruits persist on the plant until they're pulled off, so if birds don't clean them out first, you can harvest through winter. Pectin levels are highest before frost arrives, however, so pick early for jams and thick sauces. Flavor is better, if more tart, before frost too. Frost softens and sweetens the fruit but, according to the Saskatchewan Fruit Growers Association, also encourages a characteristic musty flavor.

Cultivars

• Because seeds can be challenging to germinate, plants are propagated from cuttings. Most high-bush cranberries sold are the species plant, but some prolific cultivars known for high fruit quality are available. Andrews is a compact variety that grows to 10 feet and produces large, late-maturing fruits. Larger Wentworth offers excellent ornamental fall color in addition to abundant early fruits. Hahs is also an early producer and grows 6 to 8 feet tall.