Lingonberry

Lingonberries are not self-fertile, which is why we sell them as a bundle. The plants that we send you are (slightly) different varieties, which will allow them to pollinate one another and produce fruit. Please note that in order for them to pollinate one another, they need to be kept within at least 100 feet of each other, and without any major barriers between them that may deter bees and other insects from moving from one to the other. If you are potting them up in the same pot, like with one of our kits, this is optimal for peak fertilization, but if you get just the plant, make sure not to separate the plants too much.

Lingonberry plants thrive in partial to full sunlight. Ideally, they should receive about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is perfect for preventing leaf scorch. Ensure they get enough light to promote healthy growth and berry production.

Lingonberries prefer consistently moist soil but do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. In hot weather, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil evenly moist. A good way to test if your plant needs water is to stick your finger 3 inches down into the soil. If you don't feel much moisture, it's time to water. If your finger comes out damp, best to give it some more time before watering. Picking up your pot to understand its weight when it is dry vs. wet is also a good way to understand when your plant may need water.

Fertilizing potted lingonberry plants is essential to ensure they receive adequate nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production. Lingonberries are acid-loving plants. If you ordered a kit with our signature potting media, your soil will already be slightly acidic. Fertilize in early spring, just before new growth begins, and monitor the plant regularly for signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. If it shows these signs, you may want to fertilize again, or you may consider sprinkling in a tablespoon of fresh (unused) coffee grinds to add a little acidity to your soil.

Chill hours are the time that many fruit plants need between the temperatures of 32°F and 45°F over the course of a year in order to produce fruit. Lingonberries need between 800 and 1000 chill hours to produce a good harvest of berries. As this is a tricky element to track, we suggest referring to the map provided above to understand if your region is likely to reach this threshold of chill hours.

Lingonberries are typically ready for harvest in late summer to early fall. Berries are ripe when they are fully red and detach easily from the stem. Pick the berries by hand, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued berry production and prevents overripe fruit from attracting pests.

Prune lingonberry plants in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood to maintain plant health and shape. Light pruning encourages air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce the plant's berry production.

Lingonberries are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, and fungal infections. Pests and disease often vary greatly by region. In terms of insects, neem oil can combat many problems. If you are unsure, send us a photo of your plant and the problem, and we'll do our best to identify it and suggest more specific solutions!