Cranberry production is very specialized and demanding. The following section is not a complete growers’ guide but focuses primarily on current pest management recommendations. For more information on cranberry cultural and nutritional requirements, consult the following sources publications:

“The American Cranberry”, Paul Eck, published in 1990 by Rutgers University Press

“Cranberry Production in the Pacific Northwest”, PNW 247, Oregon State University https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw247

“BC Cranberry Marketing Commission” http://www.bccranberries.com

“BC Cranberry Growers Association” http://www.bccranberrygrowers.com

“Cranberries: Rutgers Licensing and Technology”  agproducts.rutgers.edu/cranberries/index.html

"Valley Corporation" http://www.cranberryvine.com/cranberry-varieties

“WARF (Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation)” www.warf.org/

Varieties

The varieties most commonly planted in BC are Stevens, Bergman and Ben Lear, Grygleski Hybrids and Pilgrim. New varieties are being evaluated at the cranberry research farm in Delta.

Ben Lear

Selected from the wild in Wisconsin in 1901. Harvested in September in BC. Susceptible to fruit rot in storage; large fruit that is pyriform shaped with pointed stem end (70 to 90 berries per cup); medium red.

Bergman

Resulted from a cross of Early Black (wild; Massachusetts, 1857) and Searles (wild; Wisconsin, 1893). Harvested in September for fresh fruit in BC. Resistant to false blossom; fruit large to medium (65 to 80 pear-shaped berries per cup); deep red. Plants produce many uprights and few runners.

Pilgrim

Resulted from a cross of Prolific x McFarlin. Harvested in late October to early November in BC. Berries are long and oval-shaped, very large (43-66 berries per cup), purplish red with yellow under-colour and covered with a waxy bloom. Plants are moderately vigourous, producing a medium number of runners and medium to long uprights.

Stevens

Resulted from a cross of McFarlin and Potter (the latter from Wisconsin). Harvested in September to mid October in BC. Resistant to fruit softening; fruit very large (50 to 55 berries per cup); deep red. Plant is vigorous, producing many coarse, strong vines.

There may be considerable variability in plant growth habit and productivity within a given variety. For more information on these and other varieties, consult the “The American Cranberry” by Paul Eck, published in 1990 by Rutgers University Press,“Cranberries: Rutgers Licensing and Technology” agproducts.rutgers.edu/cranberries/index.html and “WARF (Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation)” www.warf.org/