LINGONBERRIES

These small circumpolar, evergreen shrubs are very hardy but require special care and patience, sometimes taking one or more seasons to become established and start growing and spreading.  The culture of lingonberries is very similar to the culture of blueberries.  A low pH, light soils, plenty of organic matter and adequate water are essential for success.  Please check the blueberry section for specifics.  However, lingonberries are not woody plants, and therefore will not require pruning. Growth is by rhizomes: horizontally-growing roots that spread just under the soil surface, popping up a new plant here and there.  A light mulch and plenty of water will encourage the spread of these plants. Hand weeding is preferable to hoeing, since their roots are delicate and very close to the surface. They should be spaced about 1 ft. apart in the row, with 3 to 5 feet between rows.