Growing Cranberry Bushes in Autumn: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Cranberries are a unique and nutritious fruit, often associated with holiday dishes, sauces, and juices. These low-growing, evergreen plants thrive in cooler climates and are ideal for planting in autumn. By giving cranberries time to establish roots in autumn, you set them up for healthy growth and productivity in the following years. Here’s everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and harvesting cranberry bushes in autumn.

Why Plant Cranberry Bushes in Autumn?

Autumn planting allows cranberry bushes to settle in cool, moist soil, promoting root establishment without the stress of summer heat. As winter approaches, the plants enter dormancy, which protects them from extreme conditions. By spring, autumn-planted cranberry bushes are well-rooted and ready to grow, often leading to a more robust plant and a larger harvest over time. Cranberries are hardy plants that are well-suited to cold climates.

Best Varieties of Cranberries for Autumn Planting

There are several cranberry varieties, each offering different characteristics in terms of size, color, and yield. Here are some popular options:

Stevens: A widely grown variety known for its high yield and large, bright red berries. Stevens cranberries are ideal for fresh eating, juicing, and preserves.
Pilgrim: This variety produces large, deep red berries and is well-suited to cooler climates. Pilgrim cranberries are excellent for fresh eating and making sauces.
Ben Lear: Known for its early ripening and deep red color, Ben Lear is a high-yielding variety that performs well in colder regions. It’s popular for juice and processing.
McFarlin: This older variety is known for its large, light red berries and is commonly used for commercial production.
Howes: An heirloom variety with a slightly tart flavor, Howes produces bright red berries that store well. It’s ideal for cooking and making cranberry sauce.

Steps for Planting Cranberry Bushes in Autumn

Choose a Sunny, Acidic Location with Good Drainage
Cranberries thrive in acidic soil (pH 4.0–5.5) and need full sun to grow well. Choose a location with good drainage, as cranberries don’t do well in waterlogged or heavy clay soils. A raised bed can help with drainage if needed.
Prepare the Soil
Enrich the soil with peat moss or pine needles to increase acidity. If your soil isn’t naturally acidic, you may need to add sulfur to lower the pH. Dig a shallow bed (only about 6 inches deep), as cranberry plants have shallow roots.
Plant the Cranberries
Place each plant in the bed about 12–18 inches apart, as cranberry bushes spread out horizontally rather than vertically. Ensure the roots are covered with soil, and firm it gently around the base. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Mulch and Water
Apply a layer of sand or acidic mulch (such as pine needles) around the plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, prevent weeds, and maintain soil acidity. Water consistently throughout autumn to help the roots establish.

Caring for Cranberry Bushes Through Autumn and Winter

Water Regularly: Water newly planted cranberries deeply once a week during dry autumn periods. In winter, natural rainfall or snow usually provides sufficient moisture.
Fertilize Lightly: Cranberries are light feeders and generally don’t require fertilizing in their first year. Adding compost or peat moss in autumn will help maintain soil acidity and support growth.
Protect from Frost: Cranberries are cold-hardy, but a layer of mulch or sand provides additional root protection during harsh winter conditions, especially for young plants.
Prune and Trim in Late Winter: Once established, prune out dead or damaged runners in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and better air circulation.

Harvesting Cranberries

Cranberries typically ripen in early autumn, depending on the climate and variety. Ripe cranberries should be firm, brightly colored, and will “bounce” slightly if dropped.

Check for Ripeness
Cranberries are ready for harvest when they’re fully colored and firm to the touch. You can test for ripeness by dropping a berry; ripe cranberries often bounce, hence the nickname “bounce berries.”
Storage Tips
Fresh cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months. For long-term storage, cranberries can be frozen, dried, or made into sauces and preserves. To freeze, wash and dry the berries, then spread them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.