Care Tips

• Planting Instructions: Space plants 18–24 in. apart in a wide bed; set crown at soil surface; water in well and mulch 2–3 in. with pine needles or sphagnum.
• Soil Moisture: Keep evenly moist to wet; never allow to dry out. Avoid stagnant, airless water—aim for saturated yet aerated media.
• Soil Type: Strongly acidic (pH 4.0–5.5), sandy/peaty mix high in organic matter; no lime or wood ash.
• Humidity: Prefers cool summers and average humidity; shelter from hot, drying winds and keep roots cool with mulch.
• Pruning Instructions: Late winter or after harvest, lightly trim long runners to encourage upright fruiting shoots; remove dead or weak growth.
• Winter Care: Very hardy; in snow-free cold areas, mulch 2–4 in. with pine needles to prevent heaving and windburn. Remove most mulch in early spring.
• Planting Depth: Roots 2–3 in. deep with the crown level to the surface; do not bury shoot tips or crown.
• Fertilization: Light feeder—use an acid-forming fertilizer (e.g., cottonseed meal or low-rate ammonium sulfate) in spring; avoid high nitrogen to prevent rank runner growth.
• Special Care: Maintain pH 4.0–5.5; water with rainwater if tap is alkaline; net fruit from birds; consider a 0.5 in. clean sand topdress every 2–3 years to boost uprights and suppress weeds.