I'm trying to resurrect my lingonberry thread and hoping some of our forum members in California or warmer climates can weigh in on this??

Patty S,

I found them hopeless even here in southeastern NY- but then it may have been a lack of snow cover in cold temps that damaged them so I can't speak for CA. The quality of the fruit was seriously unimpressive and I can't imagine why someone in CA would bother with such a sluggishly growing plant for tiny, tart red berries of no particular distinction. Maybe because it's too warm for black currants which I think are much more useful in the kitchen.

I am successfully growing them near St. Paul in very sandy soil with peat mixed in. They are only starting to produce now. They need very acid soil and afternoon shade. Overwatering can cause root diseases. I planted them because of the great health benefits I read that they have. Some people did a research study on them in Wisconsin and learned they don't like hot weather. I don't think they would thrive in California. You might want to limit yourself to a couple experimental plants to start with. They could be an attractive ground cover. Don't expect a high return of fruit like one might get with strawberries, as the berries are small.

Thanks, all. They're going to go into pots for me, since our soil here in S. California is not acidic enough. I think I'll put them in smaller pots, then, and make sure they get afternoon shade. I only have two plants, both different for cross pollination, so we'll see how they turn out for me. Mainly just an experiment, and they were on sale too, so only a small investment for an experiment :-)

Patty S.

They spread into a mat via underground runners or roots of some sort, so keeping them in pots would limit your crop, since they stay fairly short. They might require some winter chilling, too, but I'm not sure. You might try googling them, which is what I did. Northwoodswis