Elki's Scandinavian Lingonberry fruit spread has been our most popular preserve since we began importing it since 1984. Each berry is picked wild and by hand, making them abound with flavor. Lingonberries look similar to huckleberries or cranberries. Grown in Scandinavia, Lingonberries were once a secret to the natives and now have become a favorite in America. Lingonberry is related to lowbush blueberry and the cranberry, so many of the insects and diseases that afflict these plants may also affect lingonberry.All About Lingonberries - #1 Best Seller! The best solution is to avoid planting in wet sites or use varieties that are less susceptible to this disease. Phytophora can be a major disease on wet sites. Insect and disease problems are not well defined for New England. This will stimulate plant growth and improve fruit size and production. As plants fill their space, it may be appropriate to cut plants down to about 2 to 3 inches above the mulch very early in the spring. In the early years, little or no pruning is required. If available, ammonium sulfate would be a more appropriate choice as a nitrogen source, since the sulfur in this fertilizer will help keep the pH low. 5-10-10) may be placed around each plant at bloom and again about 1 month later. In subsequent years a small amount of complete fertilizer (eg. If the mulch that is used is not partially decomposed, it is advisable to apply additional liquid nitrogen periodically to prevent nitrogen deficiency the first year. It is advisable to apply a liquid fertilizer 2 to 3 weeks after planting. Plants will start to produce fruit in 2 to 3 years. Plant growth is generally slow during the first year when the root system is being established. During dry periods, plants should be watered. Mulch should be renewed yearly in the spring by applying at least a 2 inch layer around and between plants. Mulches that are treated with preservative to prevent decomposition are poor choices for lingonberries. Peat moss, partially decomposed sawdust or bark mulch are the most desirable types of mulch. Lingonberries increase in size by rhizome growth and this is encouraged by a soil environment that is high in organic matter. Plants should be mulched after planting to help control weeds, aid in maintaining an acidic soil, and to provide a favorable environment for the plants to grow in. Plants should be spaced about 12 inches apart in rows spaced 3 to 4 feet apart.

Plant in the spring as soon as the soil has dried out enough to be worked without compacting the soil. Lingonberries are self pollinating but you will get larger fruit, and it will ripen earlier, if more than one variety is selected. Purchase potted plants since their survival rate is much higher. Soil preparation and pH adjustment should be done in the fall if planting in the spring is anticipated. Experts suggest incorporating 7 to 10 pounds per 100 square feet of peat moss into the soil and lowering the pH to 5.0 with elemental sulfur, that is available at most garden centers.

Often the pH of garden soils is much higher so the pH must be lowered. Soil should be well drained and have a pH near 5.0. Partial shade is acceptable, but less desirable. Lingonberries should be planted in a sunny location. Culinarily, they are used in a similar manner to cranberry. Once harvested, fruit should be refrigerated immediately or frozen for later use. Fruit are deep red and similar to, but slightly smaller than, a cranberry.

The second crop, which ripens in October, is generally larger and the fruit are of much higher quality because they ripen at a cooler time of year. Flowers are quite frost sensitive so the first crop is often small due to frost. The May bloom produces fruit that ripens in July. Lingonberry flowers are small pinkish flowers that appear in clusters at the tips of 1-year-old wood. This is the type that is most commonly found for sale at nurseries, and is the one that this article will focus on. The European and Asian type, Vaccinium vitis variety majorus is slightly taller, has larger leaves and flowers and blooms twice each year. The North American type, Vaccinium vitis-idaea variety minus is low growing and blooms only in the spring. There are two types of lingonberries available. It is also known as cowberry or foxberry. Plants spread by underground rhizomes, thus making lingonberry a very good candidate as a ground cover or continuous border. It is an evergreen shrub that is native to the northern regions of North America and Europe. It also produces fruit that are strikingly similar in taste and appearance to it's close relative, the cranberry. Frequently home owners seek native plants that are attractive, interesting, unusual and easy to care for that also can fit into their landscape.

Lingon beery