LINGONBERRIES

(Vaccinium vitis idaea) These fantastic edible evergreen ground-covers produce delicious cranberry-like berries great for sauces, jellies and cooking. Beloved by Scandinavians, lingonberries are very attractive, easy to grow plants with bright red fruits the size of a small blueberry.

USEFUL FACTS

POLLINATION: Self-fertile. Select two varieties for better pollination.

SIZE & PLANT SPACING: The full size lingonberry grows to 12-18" tall and should be spaced one to two feet apart to form a ground cover.

HARVEST TIME: Late fall.

HARDINESS: Lingonberries can withstand arctic temperatures.  In very severe climates they can be covered with peat or sawdust in the winter. USDA Zones 3-8.

SUN OR SHADE: Will do well in semi-shade, can take full sun in cool summer areas.

YEARS TO FIRST FRUIT: 2 years

YIELD: 1/2 to 1 pound per plant.

HOW TO GROW

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Acid soil, pH below 5.8. Needs good drainage.

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS: Plant in soil well mixed with peat. Mulch with 3 to 4 inches of sawdust. Don’t over water. Do not cultivate around the plants as the roots are just below the surface.  Use fertilizer sparingly.

HOW TO USE

IN THE LANDSCAPE: An excellent evergreen ground cover with small dark green glossy leaves. The new growth in spring is tinged with red and orange. It eventually forms a dense mat, choking out weeds. Lingonberries can be used effectively spotted throughout a rock garden.

IN THE KITCHEN: Used for preserves, sauce, syrup, pickles, jelly and wine. We pick the tart red berries at Thanksgiving and use them in place of cranberries.

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