How to Grow McFarlin Cranberry
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McFarlin Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon 'McFarlin'
fruitMcFarlin is a popular cranberry cultivar known for its large, dark red berries and excellent keeping quality. This low-growing perennial vine thrives in acidic wetland conditions and produces abundant fruit suitable for fresh eating and processing. It's one of the most widely cultivated commercial cranberry varieties in North America.
When should you plant McFarlin Cranberry in your zone?
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Example McFarlin Cranberry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant McFarlin Cranberry
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest McFarlin Cranberry
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact McFarlin Cranberry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 2-5; thrives in cool northern climates with cold winters
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Establishment
6-12 monthsFirst year after planting; runners are setting in and developing root systems. Minimal flowering expected.
Keep consistently moist; remove any early flower buds to encourage plant establishment. Mulch with sand to encourage rooting along runners.
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsYears 2-3; runners spreading and covering the bed, upright growth becoming established. Plant filling in designated area.
Maintain proper water levels; allow some flowering but still prioritize plant coverage. Sand application continues to encourage rooting.
Flowering
4-6 weeksLate spring to early summer; small pink to white bell-shaped flowers appear on upright stems in clusters.
Maintain moisture levels; avoid disturbing plants during bloom. Manage weeds that compete with flowering upright growth.
Fruit Development
12-16 weeksMid-summer through fall; flowers give way to small green berries that gradually enlarge and turn white, pink, then deep red.
Keep beds consistently moist; McFarlin berries are large and benefit from adequate moisture. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Harvest
4-8 weeksFall (September-November); berries are fully dark red and firm, floating or resting on vines. Beds may be flooded for wet harvesting.
Harvest when berries show full color and firmness. Wet harvesting via flooding and mechanical collection is commercial standard; hand-picking for fresh market possible.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Insecticide applications at early fruit stage; resistant varieties; removal of infected fruit
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Spring dormant oil sprays; targeted insecticides; good sanitation
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Maintain plant health and vigor; flooding to eliminate breeding sites; insecticide treatments if severe
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Insecticide applications; pheromone traps for monitoring; removal of damaged shoots
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Early season insecticide applications; removal of damaged flower buds
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Flooding management; miticide applications if population exceeds threshold
Uses
Fresh and processed juice
CulinaryMcFarlin cranberries are excellent for juice production, sauces, and preserves. Their large size and high pectin content make them ideal for making cranberry sauce, jams, and commercial juice products. [source]
Dried cranberry snacks
CulinaryThe firm berries dry well and are commonly processed into sweetened dried cranberries for snacking, baking, and breakfast cereals. [source]
Urinary tract health
MedicinalCranberries contain proanthocyanidins that may help prevent bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract. McFarlin berries are used in supplements and medicinal preparations. [source]
Natural dyes and colorant
HouseholdThe deep red pigments in cranberries can be used as natural food coloring and textile dyes, particularly for achieving red and purple hues. [source]
Wildlife habitat and food source
WildlifeCranberry bogs provide valuable habitat for wetland birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. The persistent fruit provides food for migrating birds and wildlife throughout winter. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
McFarlin berries are ready to harvest in fall when fully dark red and firm to the touch. Berries should bounce when ripe (a traditional test). Commercial harvest typically uses water flooding to float berries off the vines, followed by collection via mechanical means. Hand-harvesting is possible for fresh market sales. Berries store exceptionally well at cool temperatures (32-40°F) for months. Harvest before hard frost for best quality.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 McFarlin cranberries are called 'falling berries' because ripe berries naturally fall to the ground when vines are shaken, and they have air pockets inside that make them naturally buoyant.
- 🌱 Cranberry bogs are often flooded with water during winter dormancy to provide an ice layer that protects plants from freezing damage and winter desiccation.
- 🌱 McFarlin was selected and developed as a named cultivar in Wisconsin in the early 1900s and remains one of the most commercially important cultivars in North America due to its large fruit size and excellent storage quality.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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