The plant
Cranberry is a perennial indigenous wetland plant. In Quebec, wild cranberries grow on top of peaty patches as a result of both water fluctuations from spring overflow and midsummer drought. This nature model has been adapted to cultivated cranberries.
Cranberry can also referred to airelle. Our Quebec's specie is the vaccinium macrocarpon.
A plant also unique since it can be submerged up to 7 days or more if provided with sufficient oxygenation for the plant to survive. This mechanism has made possible cranberry mechanical harvesting and in our cold climate unable plants to undergo into glaciation and to be flooded for frost protection.
Plant submersion in our cold climate enables to keep insect population down. Our climate regulate down fungus development on plant or berries.
Plant particularities
- The plant cycle : flowered in June /July, harvested in October.
- Fine roots with rhizomes.
- Small perennious semi woody plant of 8- 10 " height.
- Small dark green leaves turning to burgundy in fall.
- Ideal pH ranges from 4.0 to 5.0.
- Sand / clay soil foundation.
- Important interaction between flowering and pollination for fruit production.
- Fruit properties : water, sugar, organoleptic acids, and pectin.
In the life cycle of the fruit, pollination is primordial for good yield and fruit quality. In our Quebec climate, pollination lasts from June 20th to July 10th. Warm windy days are best suited for good pollination; it means more seeds in the fruit and bigger fruit. Up to one third of flowering produces a standard crop.
Cranberry is a red berries with added health values from PAC, and good storing properties for Brix and Tacy.
Nordic varieties planted in Quebec Province which have proven right for our exploitation are:
- Ben Lear : Early season, fresh fruit market
- Stevens : Nordic, good storage properties
- Bergman : Early red colouring
- Grygleski : Big fruit