Top 20 Cranberry Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Cranberries are not only a holiday staple, but they’re also a versatile, tart fruit used in sauces, juices, and baking. Growing cranberries requires a bit more care due to their specific soil and water needs, but the reward is well worth the effort. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 cranberry varieties to grow and share essential tips for cultivating a productive and healthy crop.

1. Stevens

Stevens is one of the most widely grown cranberry varieties, known for its large, dark red berries and high yields.

Tip: Ensure Stevens cranberries are planted in acidic, sandy soil with plenty of organic matter to mimic their natural growing environment.

2. Early Black

Early Black is an early-maturing variety with small, dark red berries that have a sweet-tart flavor, making it great for fresh use and processing.

Tip: Early Black cranberries need a consistent water supply, so keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season.

3. Ben Lear

Ben Lear cranberries are known for their large, dark red fruit and high acidity, making them perfect for juice and sauces.

Tip: Mulch heavily around Ben Lear plants to retain moisture and keep the roots cool, which encourages better growth and fruiting.

4. Howes

Howes is a late-ripening variety that produces medium-sized, bright red berries with excellent storage qualities.

Tip: Howes cranberries thrive in cooler climates, so plant them in areas with cooler summers and early frost to maximize yield.

5. McFarlin

McFarlin cranberries are known for their large, firm, dark red berries and are often used for commercial production due to their long storage life.

Tip: Ensure McFarlin cranberries receive full sunlight to encourage optimal fruit production and flavor development.

6. Pilgrim

Pilgrim is a versatile variety that produces large, dark red berries with high yields, perfect for both fresh eating and processing.

Tip: Pilgrim cranberries benefit from regular watering during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

7. Franklin

Franklin cranberries produce medium-sized, dark red berries with a strong, tart flavor, making them ideal for sauces and preserves.

Tip: Prune Franklin cranberries annually to remove old or dead stems, encouraging new growth and increased fruiting.

8. Searles

Searles cranberries are a high-yielding variety known for their small to medium-sized, bright red fruit and excellent disease resistance.

Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist for Searles cranberries, as they require plenty of water to produce large, juicy berries.

9. Crimson Queen

Crimson Queen is a newer variety that produces large, bright red berries with a sweet-tart flavor and high juice content.

Tip: Fertilize Crimson Queen cranberries in early spring with an organic, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.

10. Beckwith

Beckwith cranberries are prized for their medium-sized, bright red berries and high yields. They’re perfect for fresh eating and drying.

Tip: Beckwith cranberries thrive in cool, acidic soil. Add sulfur or organic compost to maintain the ideal soil conditions.

11. Wilcox

Wilcox is an older variety that produces small, dark red berries with a rich, tart flavor. It’s ideal for processing into juices and preserves.

Tip: Plant Wilcox cranberries in areas with full sun exposure and protect them from frost during the early growing season.

12. Mullica Queen

Mullica Queen is known for its large, sweet-tart berries and high yields. This variety is great for fresh eating, freezing, and cooking.

Tip: Regularly mulch around the base of Mullica Queen plants to help retain moisture and prevent weeds from competing for nutrients.

13. Demoranville

Demoranville is a highly productive variety that produces large, dark red berries with a firm texture and high acidity.

Tip: Demoranville cranberries need well-drained soil, so avoid planting in areas prone to standing water.

14. Beckwith II

Beckwith II is a variation of the original Beckwith, producing larger berries with the same bright red color and tart flavor.

Tip: Beckwith II plants require regular pruning to promote new growth and improve fruit set for the next season.

15. Paradise

Paradise cranberries are known for their bright red, medium-sized berries with a well-balanced sweet-tart flavor, perfect for juicing and cooking.

Tip: Water Paradise cranberries consistently, especially during flowering and fruiting, to ensure high yields.

16. Mammoth

Mammoth is a late-ripening variety that produces large, firm, dark red berries. It’s known for its high yields and long storage life.

Tip: Ensure Mammoth cranberries have access to plenty of sunlight and cool, moist conditions for the best fruit quality.

17. Bergman

Bergman cranberries are prized for their medium-sized, dark red berries with a tart, robust flavor, making them ideal for sauces and preserves.

Tip: Mulch Bergman cranberries with pine needles or bark to maintain soil acidity and keep the roots cool.

18. Stevens Special

A variation of the popular Stevens variety, Stevens Special produces larger berries with a more intense flavor.

Tip: Fertilize Stevens Special cranberries in spring and fall with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage fruit development.

19. Pocasset

Pocasset cranberries are known for their small to medium-sized, bright red berries with a sweet-tart flavor. They’re perfect for fresh use and preserves.

Tip: Keep Pocasset cranberries well-watered throughout the growing season, especially during fruiting, to ensure high-quality fruit.

20. Black Veil

Black Veil is a rare cranberry variety that produces dark red, almost black berries with a strong, tart flavor.

Tip: Protect Black Veil cranberries from early frosts and provide plenty of sunlight to promote larger, sweeter berries.

Tips for Growing Cranberries Successfully

1. Acidic soil is essential: Cranberries require acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 5.5. Amend your soil with organic matter, such as peat moss, to maintain the right acidity.
2. Consistent moisture: Cranberries thrive in consistently moist soil, so water them regularly, especially during dry periods, but ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging.
3. Mulch heavily: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of cranberry plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature.
4. Pruning and maintenance: Prune cranberry plants annually after harvest to remove dead or old vines and encourage new growth, which will improve next season’s yield.
5. Sunlight and location: Plant cranberries in full sun to ensure they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. This will improve berry size and sweetness.
6. Fertilize in spring: Use an acidic fertilizer designed for cranberries or other acid-loving plants in early spring to encourage healthy growth and fruiting.
7. Pest control: Keep an eye out for common cranberry pests such as cranberry fruitworm and aphids. Use organic or chemical controls as needed to protect your crop.
8. Proper drainage: Cranberries prefer moist, but well-drained soil. Avoid planting in areas prone to standing water, as this can lead to root rot.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for cranberry plants to produce fruit?
Cranberry plants typically begin producing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting.

Q2: When is the best time to plant cranberries?
The best time to plant cranberries is in early spring, after the last frost, or in early fall, before the first frost.

Q3: How often should I water cranberry plants?
Cranberries require consistently moist soil, so water them deeply once or twice a week, more frequently in hot or dry weather.

Q4: Can cranberries be grown in containers?
Yes, cranberries can be grown in containers as long as the soil is acidic, well-drained, and consistently moist.

Q5: How do I protect cranberries from frost?
If frost is expected, cover your cranberry plants with frost cloth or move container-grown plants to a protected area to prevent frost damage.