Growing lingonberry plants can be a bit challenging, but the results are worth the effort. These small red berries need to be harvested every year because of their unique flavor and health benefits.
They are Rich in antioxidants, lingonberries are often referred to as a superfood. They have been linked to improved digestive health, weight management, and heart health. Additionally, these bright red fruits can help regulate blood sugar levels and provide other health benefits.
This guide, in collaboration with Kellogg Garden Products, will walk you through the steps to grow these versatile plants in most northern regions of the United States. Even those in warmer climates can cultivate lingonberries in shaded areas with the right soil mix.
Lingonberries: Quick Overview
- Scientific Name: Vaccinium vitis-idaea
- Common Names: Lingonberry, cowberry, foxberry, mountain cranberry, and many more.
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Water Needs: Keep soil evenly moist, providing 2.5-4.5 gallons per square yard per week
- Soil Type: Acidic mix, such as G&B Organics Acid Planting Mix
- Fertilizer: Apply a low-strength acid fertilizer annually
- Pests: Cucumber beetles, lingonberry fruit worms, armyworms, and others
- Diseases: Leaf spot, Botrytis blossom blight, Phytophthora root rot
Lingonberries
Most of the global lingonberry harvest comes from wild plants in cooler climates. However, cultivation is becoming more common due to increasing demand. Lingonberries are native to the Northern Hemisphere and grow wild in most northern regions. In North America, the dwarf variety is common, while in Europe, the plant tends to be slightly taller but still remains close to the ground.
Lingonberry plants have small leaves, no more than 1.5 inches in length, that grow from vine-like stems. The base of the plant becomes woody with age, but new growth appears annually. The berries form on older stems, following a bloom of small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers in the spring and early summer.
These plants are highly tolerant of poor, sandy soils and can withstand extreme cold. While they are somewhat sensitive to heat, they can still be grown in hot climates as a groundcover or in shaded areas. Their rhizomatic roots allow them to spread easily, making them ideal for ground cover.
Two Varieties, One Fruit
Lingonberries come in two main subspecies. In Europe and parts of Asia, the full-sized version, Vaccinium vitis-idaea subsp. Majus, grows up to 12-18 inches in height with a spread of about 24 inches. These plants thrive in rocky, nutrient-poor environments and can survive temperatures as low as -40°F, although extreme cold can damage buds and berries.
In North America, the dwarf variety, Vaccinium vitis-idaea subsp. Minus, also known as American lingonberries, typically grows 4-6 inches tall with a spread of about 12 inches. This variety is commonly found in cool and peaty environments. It can also tolerate colder temperatures, making it prevalent in Canada and the northern United States.
Both varieties can be grown in warmer climates, although they may produce fewer berries. Most lingonberry plants need 300-400 hours of chilling over the winter, and some require up to 800 hours of cold to produce fruit effectively.
A Plant with Many Names
Lingonberries are known by a variety of names depending on the region. For example:
- Subspecies Minus (American variety): Dwarf lingonberry, mossberry, partridgeberry, mountain cranberry, groundberry, and cuminit.
- Subspecies Majus (European variety): Lingonberry, cowberry, foxberry, lowbush cranberry, redberry, whimberry, kokimolj, airberry, among many others.
Regardless of the name you choose, all these terms refer to the same versatile and hardy plant.
Recommended Varieties
For the Vaccinium vitis-idaea subsp. Minus (dwarf lingonberry), there is only one main type, which has not been extensively cultivated for commercial purposes. These plants have white to pale pink flowers and similar growth habits.
For the Vaccinium vitis-idaea subsp. Majus (full-sized lingonberry), there are at least 16 known varieties, with more being developed. Some popular varieties in America include:
- Erntesegen: Known for its tolerance to a wide range of growing conditions, including both hot and cold environments.
- Coral: Known for its heavy yield.
- Scarlet: Recognized for its bright red berries.
- Ida: Often produces two crops per year.
- Balsgard and Red Pearl: European cultivars that have gained popularity in North America for their excellent pollination and fruit quality.
In Europe and northern Asia, similar varieties are available, except for Scarlet, which is unique to North America.
Planting Lingonberries
Lingonberries thrive in specific growing conditions, although they can adapt over time. Planting in cooler weather is ideal—early spring in colder climates or mid to late fall in warmer regions—to give the roots time to establish before the weather changes.
In cooler climates (zones 4-6), choose a location with full sun for optimal fruit production. In zones (7-8), full sun is still good. Some afternoon shade can help protect the plants from extreme heat. In zone (9), partial shade is crucial. The shade cloth may be necessary during the hottest months.
When planting, be gentle with the roots. Remove the plant from its nursery pot carefully and plant it at the same depth in an acidic potting mix. Water well and mulch with 2-3 inches of peat moss to help retain moisture and acidity.
Companion Planting
Lingonberries pair well with other acid-loving plants like highbush blueberries or currant hedges. Dwarf varieties are particularly well-suited as understory plants. However, avoid planting them near shallow-rooted flowers or weeds, as these can compete with lingonberries for nutrients.
Caring for Lingonberry Plants
If grown in the right conditions, lingonberries are relatively easy to care for. However, for those outside their native range, providing the right soil, light, and moisture conditions is essential for success.
Sun and Temperature
Lingonberries need plenty of light for good fruit production, but too much intense sunlight can cause scorching, especially in southern regions. In northern areas, full sun is ideal, but in zones 7-9, some shade is necessary to protect the plants from heat.
Soil Requirements
Lingonberries thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.3 and 5.5. A well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, like G&B Organics Acid Planting Mix or Kellogg Garden Organics Shade Mix, is ideal. Mulching with peat moss helps maintain the soil’s acidity and moisture levels, mimicking the plant’s natural habitat.
Watering and Humidity
Consistent moisture is key for lingonberries. Established plants need 2.5-4.5 gallons of water per square yard weekly, and newly planted ones may need slightly more. Drip or soaker irrigation is best to keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases.
