What are key events I shouldn’t miss when growing this crop?

Planting: Plant outdoors as soon as possible before Week 18. If transplanting is necessary indoors early in the season, move outside as soon as weather allows.

Trimming: Gaultheria does not require trimming, as it will fill the pot naturally, and wounding the plant will expose it to disease. 

Spacing: Space the plants to allow for airflow and encourage uniform growth. Plants grown too close together have a higher risk of disease occurrence, especially when berries are developing.

What soil do I need?

Use a well-draining substrate with a pH target between 3.5 and 4.5. Consider the alkalinity of your water source; water with high alkalinity will increase substrate pH over time. 

Ensure the substrate remains moist throughout the growing season. Allowing the substrate to dry out will adversely affect flower and berry development.

What kind of environment do I need?

Protect from desiccating winter winds.

Transplant the liners outdoors to grow in full sun, which maximizes airflow and exposure to sunlight.

Gaultheria will struggle in humid environments.

Gaultheria is highly susceptible to Anthracnose (Colletotrichum), and environmental stressors will increase risk.

When can I expect buds or color?

In the Pacific Northwest, flowering occurs in multiple flushes through July and August. 

Gaultheria attracts pollinators when in flower; be mindful of them when making treatment plans.

Berries will develop through August and September, coloring up through October.

As berries develop, consider Calcium and Silica foliar applications to strengthen and help protect them.

What kind of fertilizer strategy should I have?

Relying solely on controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) is not recommended.

Monitoring EC in the substrate will guide your fertigation decisions.

• Using a 2:1 method, the target range is 0.5–1.2

Consider growing with a soluble, NPK-balanced fertilizer, opting for 200–250ppm N one to two times per week. This fertilizer should be primarily nitrate-N-based.

After foliage reaches the edge of the pot, reduce N to 150 ppm. 

We prioritize nitrate nitrogen over ammoniacal nitrogen to keep growth f irmer and less susceptible to pests.

After berry set, reduce fertilizer application as new foliage growing above the berries reduces the visual impact of the final product. Recommended strategies are:

• Alternating fertigation with clear water
• Reducing EC (to a range of 0.5–0.8) if relying on continuous fertigation

What kind of pests should I anticipate?

• Gaultheria is highly susceptible to Anthracnose (Colletotrichum), and requires a robust preventative plan
• Botrytis (Berry Rot)
• Pythium
• Pestalotia
• Thrips