The harvesting season for Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Thunderlake' (cranberry) typically begins in September and runs through November.
cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Thunderlake'
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Thunderlake') is a perennial, evergreen shrub found in the wetland bogs of North America. The 'Thunderlake' variety is characterized by its small, deep red berries, which are more vibrant and tart in flavor than other cranberry types. Its leathery leaves are broad and waxy with fine hairs on the underside and dark green on the topside. The plant is hardy and requires low maintenance other than replenishing the soil with organic matter and acidic fertilizer. It is a natural source of antioxidants and vitamins, making it a healthy choice in any garden.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Grafting Propagation,Tissue Culture
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 7
Flowers:
White to pink Flowers
Sun:
Full sun Partial sun
Soil:
Sandy Loamy
Fruits:
red,maroon Fruits In Autumn Ready In
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Water the cranberry plant (Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Thunderlake') approximately 1-2 inches per week, and increase during periods of extreme heat or drought. Cranberries prefer evenly moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water near the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves to minimize the risk of foliar diseases. Avoid overhead irrigation as this will reduce fruit quality and increase the risk of rot.
sunlight
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Thunderlake') is a plant species that prefers partial to full sun. This means it will thrive with anywhere from 4 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If the sunlight exposure is too low, the plant will not produce cranberries of desirable size in the fall. When grown in ideal conditions, cranberry plants produce the best fruit when exposed to full sun all day long.
pruning
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Thunderlake') should be pruned in late summer or early fall. Pruning should be done to encourage healthy growth and prevent overcrowding of the plants. This type of cranberry can reach a height up to 2 feet when fully grown. Pruning should be done to reduce the height and encourage lateral growth. Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then remove any branches that cross or rub against each other. Finally, thin out the center of the plants to let in more light and air circulation. Prune lightly to maintain the desired shape and size. Remember to fertilize and water regularly after pruning to help encourage new growth.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Cranberry plants typically start flowering in June.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Do Cranberry trees grow well in small gardens?
Cranberry trees can be a great addition to small gardens as they are quite compact, usually reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet. Furthermore, they are quite attractive and boast pretty white flowers in the spring months, so can be an appealing feature in a small garden. While they prefer wetter soil conditions to thrive, they are also very tolerant of dry periods, as long as they have been well-mulched and watered regularly.
Are Cranberry trees a deciduous or an evergreen?
Cranberry trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves annually during the autumn season. They are not evergreen, which are trees and shrubs that keep their foliage year-round. Unlike evergreens, deciduous trees typically only have leaves for part of the year, in this case during the spring and summer months.
Is Cranberry tree blossom showy?
Yes, the Cranberry tree blossom is very showy. It flowers in late spring and produces beautiful white blossoms with five petals. These blossoms are slightly fragrant and contrasts nicely with the deep green foliage. The blossoms stand out from a long distance, making them hard to miss. The blossoms are relatively short-lived, lasting for only a few weeks, but they are sure to dazzle all who chance upon them.
Do Cranberries tolerate drought well?
Cranberries are a hardy fruit crop that can tolerate drought well. They have a thick cuticle that allows them to conserve water and slow transpiration when the soil moisture becomes low. In addition, cranberry plants can put off flowering during dry seasons, which helps conserve energy and reduce the moisture needs of the plant. In times of drought, cranberries tend to slow the growth rate, but they are still able to survive and produce a crop with the help of irrigation.
Is it possible to grow Cranberry trees along the coast?
It is not possible to grow Cranberry trees along the coast because they require specific nutrients and environmental conditions to survive. Cranberries require acidic soils, full sun, and a temperate climate to grow. Coastal regions are too cool, damp, and exposed to high levels of salt to provide favorable conditions for tree growth. Furthermore, soil along the coast tends to be more alkaline and lacking in important nutrients needed for the Cranberry tree to grow strong and healthy.
Are Cranberry trees capable of growing in containers?
Yes, cranberry trees can be grown in containers, with some important considerations. These trees require well-draining soil and a large container size to ensure their roots have plenty of room to grow. Depending on which variety you choose, ample room for the tree’s branches is also important. Depending on the climate in your area, you may need to use an outdoor container during the warm months and bring the container inside during the colder months. Additionally, keep in mind that the soil in a container is much smaller and more affected by climate changes than soil in a garden bed, so you may need to water your tree more often.
