A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Cranberries in Your Garden

Cranberries, often only seen on tables during Thanksgiving, are a delicious and healthy fruit that is worth growing at home. With over 100 different named varieties of cranberries available, each with its own unique characteristics, choosing the right type for your garden can be overwhelming.

In this in-depth guide, we will explore different types of cranberries, what qualifies as a cranberry, and provide a detailed list of nine of the best true cranberry varieties to grow at home. So put on your gardening gloves and get ready to transform your garden into a cranberry paradise!

Different Types of Cranberries

Before we dive into the best cranberry varieties for your garden, it’s essential to understand what qualifies as a cranberry. The type most commonly cultivated in North America is Vaccinium macrocarpon, which is known for its large fruit and leaves.

While there are other species labeled as cranberries, such as the American cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum), we will be focusing on Vaccinium macrocarpon for this guide. This native species is commonly found in regions with moist and acidic soil, making it a perfect fit for Zones 2-7.

If you’re looking for a smaller alternative, there are compact and dwarf varieties of the American cranberrybush available, such as V. trilobum ‘Alfredo.’ This variety is known for its vibrant leaves that change color throughout the seasons.

In addition to the American cranberry, there are other species of berry-producing Vaccinium plants that share the cranberry name. These include V. oxycoccos, V. microcarpum, V. erythrocarpum, and V. vitis-idaea, each with its own unique characteristics and growing requirements.

When it comes to growing cranberries at home, the true American cranberry variety, Vaccinium macrocarpon, is your best bet. Now, let’s explore the top nine cultivars that you can consider for your garden.

9 of the Best True Cranberry Varieties to Grow at Home

When it comes to selecting the right cranberry variety for your garden, there are several options to choose from. From early ripening varieties to disease-resistant hybrids, here are nine top cranberry cultivars that you should consider growing at home:

1. Ben Lear

An early variety known for its productivity and large, deep red fruit, Ben Lear is a native wild type selected for cultivation in 1901. Despite being initially deemed an unacceptable genotype, Ben Lear has made a resurgence in popularity and is often grown commercially for its exceptional qualities.

2. Crimson Queen

Released by Rutgers University’s breeding program, Crimson Queen is a hybrid cross of ‘Stevens’ and ‘Ben Lear.’ With a vigorous growth habit and consistent yields, this variety is a modern improvement on its predecessors.

3. Early Black

This heirloom variety ripens early and has small, dark red berries with a sweet taste. While its history is associated with various cultivators, Early Black is known for thriving in different soil types and producing fewer runners.

4. Franklin

A hybrid cross of ‘Early Black’ and ‘Howes,’ Franklin is favored for its low juiciness and high pectin content, making it ideal for sauce production. With glossy fruit that stores well, Franklin is a reliable choice for home growers.

5. Howes

First discovered in 1843 by a homesteader named Eli Howes in East Dennis, Massachusetts, Howes is known for its firm fruit and excellent storage qualities. Resistant to fruit rot but susceptible to false blossom, Howes is a popular Massachusetts heirloom cranberry variety.

6. McFarlin

An heirloom sourced from the wild in 1874, McFarlin is associated with Charles Dexter McFarlin of South Carver, Massachusetts. Resistant to false blossom and late-ripening, McFarlin is an excellent choice for growers looking for large fruit.

7. Pilgrim

A hybrid cross of ‘McFarlin’ and ‘Prolific,’ Pilgrim produces deep red fruit with high yields. Known for its juicy berries and resistance to false blossom, Pilgrim is a versatile variety that is well-suited for home cultivation.

8. Scarlet Knight

A disease-resistant hybrid from Rutgers University, Scarlet Knight produces large, high-quality fruit with a sweet taste. With a long shelf life and high yields, Scarlet Knight is a popular choice among growers looking for top-quality cranberries.

9. Stevens

One of the most popular hybrids in commercial cultivation, Stevens is a cross of ‘McFarlin’ and ‘Potter.’ Known for its vigorous vines, high yields, and deep red fruit, Stevens is an excellent choice for both commercial processing and home use.

By selecting one of these top cranberry varieties, you can enjoy a bounteous berry harvest that is not only delicious but also a delight to eat. Whether you have a family connection to cranberry growing or simply enjoy the sweet-tart flavors of these berries, growing cranberries at home is a rewarding experience.

In conclusion, growing cranberries in your garden is a fulfilling endeavor that allows you to enjoy fresh, home-grown fruit with unique flavors and qualities. With the right variety and proper care, you can transform your garden into a cranberry paradise that will delight both you and your family.

For more information on growing fruit in your garden, be sure to check out our guides on the best strawberry varieties and cantaloupe cultivars for home gardeners. Happy gardening!