Description
This subalpine treasure was found along the edges of a bog accompanied by crowberry, bog heather, kalmia, gentiana, and other Vaccinium. The berries were fairly large on a such a small woody plant that doesn’t exceed 30cm in height but it does make a dense low mat as it does spread via stolons.
The fruit is excellent. Though its alternative common name is “dwarf blueberry”, it doesn’t have the blueberry characteristics as the flowers are borne singly and the flesh is red not white. After more than a few in field taste tests, the wild blueberry tasted quite tart and bland in comparison. This dwarf is a new fave. I hope to make multiple visits next year for a more extensive harvests and perhaps take cuttings.
- Seed Count: 50-75
- Collection Date: September 2025
- Hardiness Zone: 2-8
- Height and Width: 30cm tall x mat
- Germination test type: float
- Family: Ericaceae
How to germinate Vaccinum cespitosum seeds:
Soak seed in water 3-5 days at room temperature. Meanwhile fill plug tray/pots with a well draining humus rich acidic moist medium ( finely milled peat) and soak well as a well hydrated firm medium is key. When sowing score surface, sow thinly; mist well for optimum medium-seed contact. Seed requires light to germinate. Mist daily. Use a clear plastic cover to maintain humidity and ensure good light. Protocols from University of Washington advise that seed is non-dormant; cold stratification is not needed. Germinate at 17-21C. Should start germinating in 30 days. Give strong indirect light. Mist daily. NEVER let dry. Fibrous root system does not dry out.
