American Low Bush Cranberry Seeds - Vaccinium macrocarpon

American Low Bush Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a cold-hardy, evergreen creeping shrub native to North America and widely cultivated for its tangy, vitamin-rich berries. These glossy red fruits are ideal for making sauces, juices, jams, and baked goods.

The Non-GMO Low Bush Cranberry Plant thrives in acidic, moist soils and performs well in containers, raised beds, or bog gardens. With small, glossy green leaves and pink-white flowers in spring, followed by bright red fruit in fall, it’s both ornamental and productive. Perfect for edible landscapes, pollinator gardens, and homesteads.

Features

• Produces edible, antioxidant-rich red cranberries
• Native North American species; Non-GMO
• Hardy, low-growing, and evergreen
• Excellent for edible gardens and naturalized plantings
• Perfect for acidic soil or bog-like growing conditions
• Attracts pollinators and wildlife

Specifications

• Scientific Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon
• Common Name: American Cranberry / Low Bush Cranberry
• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial shrub
• Growth Height: 4–10 inches
• Spread: 12–24 inches (creeping habit)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2–7
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Acidic (pH 4.0–5.5), moist, sandy, or peaty soil
• Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
• Fruit Season: Fall (September–October)
• Flower Color: Pale pink to white
• Fruit Color: Red
• Foliage: Small evergreen leaves turning bronze in winter
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Planting Season: Spring
• Sowing Depth: ⅛ inch
• Germination Time: 30–60 days (cold stratification for 60–90 days recommended)
• Watering Needs: High; prefers consistently moist soil
• Maintenance: Minimal; prune lightly to encourage spreading
• Wildlife Benefits: Berries feed birds; flowers attract bees
• Uses: Edible landscaping, container growing, bog gardens, wildlife habitats

Planting Guide

• Cold Stratify: Place seeds in a moist medium for 60–90 days at 34–40°F.
• Prepare Soil: Use acidic, sandy, or peaty soil with good drainage.
• Sow Seeds: Scatter lightly and cover with ⅛ inch of soil.
• Light: Provide full sun or partial shade for best fruiting.
• Watering: Keep soil moist at all times; avoid drying out.
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart to allow creeping ground cover.
• Care: Mulch with peat moss to retain moisture and suppress weeds.