There’s no new information in this article. Cranberry growers today calculate % out of bloom following the same time-tested calculation we’ve been using for generations. Because % out of bloom is a simple way to plan pollinator relocation and think ahead to nutrition timing, 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 pinheads & fruit on your 10 uprights.
4. Count the number of open flowers and unopened pods on your same 10 uprights.
5. Write down the number of pinheads + fruit. Write down the total of pinheads + fruit +pods + flowers.
6. Divide pinheads + fruit by total (pinheads + fruit + pods + flowers). Multiply by 100 to get % out of bloom.

This article was posted in Cranberry and tagged % out of bloom, Allison Jonjak, calculating percent out of bloom, Cranberries, percent out of bloom.