Jonas Bergsten / Public domain
garden
Lingonberry
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
EdibleMedicinalToxic — Use Caution
Edible PartsFruit
Overview
The iconic Scandinavian berry that accompanies Swedish meatballs, lingonberry grows wild across the boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere. These low, evergreen shrubs produce tart, ruby-red berries rich in benzoic acid — a natural preservative that allows them to keep for months without processing. Lingonberries are extremely cold-hardy and make excellent ground cover in acidic soils.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones1a — 8
Height0.15m
Spread1m
Growth HabitShrub
Bloom ColorWhite
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH4 — 5.5
Soil TypeAcidic, humus-rich, well-drained sandy soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant in spring; acidic soil essential (pH 4.5-5.5); partial shade; extremely cold hardy |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest after first frost sweetens berries; tart — use for preserves, sauces |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | May — Jun | Small white-pink bell flowers; self-fertile but cross-pollination improves yield |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; amend with peat; evergreen groundcover 12-18" tall |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest when uniformly red; two crops possible — summer and late fall |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Apr — May | Spring bloom; may produce a second smaller crop in fall |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; similar care to blueberry but more shade-tolerant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jul — Aug | Harvest in summer; struggles in hot summers — mulch heavily |
Uses
Culinary
- Classic lingonberry jam for meatballs, pancakes, and cheese
- Juice and cordials
- Baked into pies, tarts, and Scandinavian pastries
Medicinal
- High in benzoic acid — a natural preservative
- Rich in vitamin C and manganese
- Anthocyanins and quercetin support cardiovascular health
Other Uses
- Evergreen ground cover for acidic soils
- Attractive ornamental with both flowers and fruit
Safety Notes
Tea should not be drunk on a regular basis because it contains the toxin 'arbutin'
