Stevens Cranberry

Available now: 1 plant in a half gallon pot, $11 each.

Stevens Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is an American cranberry cultivar valued for its heavy yields, deep red color, and strong resistance to fruit rot. The low-growing, trailing vines form a dense evergreen mat, producing tart, firm berries ideal for sauces, baking, juicing, and holiday dishes. Stevens is one of the most widely planted commercial cranberry varieties, but it also performs well in home gardens where soil is consistently moist and acidic.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Typically about 3 - 7 or 3-8 depending on sources.

Mature height: Around 6 to 12 inches tall on upright shoots

Spread: Runners can spread several feet over time, forming a dense mat

Fruit: Medium to large, dark red berries, firm and tart, great for cooking and preserving

Growing requirements

Light: Full sun for best growth and heaviest berry production

Soil: Prefers acidic soil with high organic matter; loose, sandy or peaty soil is ideal

Soil pH: Naturally thrives in acidic conditions (roughly in the 4 to low 5 range)

Moisture: Needs consistently moist soil, not bone dry; does not have to grow in standing water, but appreciates even moisture

Spacing: Plant 18 to 24 inches apart so the runners have room to fill in

Mulch: A layer of sand or peat moss helps keep roots cool, holds moisture, and supports runner growth

Pollination: Self fertile, so a single plant can set fruit, although multiple plants will give a fuller crop

Care and use in the garden

Great for creating a low, edible groundcover in acidic beds
Works well around blueberries or other acid loving plants
Best in areas that do not dry out completely in summer
Light pruning or trimming of runners can keep the patch tidy and within bounds