There’s no new information in this article. Cranberry growers today calculate % in bloom following the same time-tested calculation we’ve been using for generations. Because % In Bloom is the best way to time disease protection, we’re providing a refresher article for easy access and to share with workers new to the beds.  

1. Choose a bed of the variety you are curious about, and step carefully in, at least 5 paces from the ditch edge. Choose a “regular” place—not obscured by weeds, not a low spot, not a high spot.  

2. Choose 10 random uprights. A safe way to do this is to choose the first 10 your hand finds, so you are not drawn to the furthest-ahead or furthest-behind uprights. 

3. Count the number of pods (unopened flowers) on your 10 uprights.  

4. Count the number of open flowers on your same 10 uprights.  

5. Write down the number of flowers. Write down the total of pods + flowers.  

6. Divide flowers by total (pods + flowers). Multiply by 100 to get % in bloom. 

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