{"product_id":"thimbleberry","title":"Thimbleberry","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"998\" data-start=\"465\"\u003eThimbleberry is a beautiful native shrub known for its large, soft green leaves and vibrant pink flowers that bloom early in the year. These blooms offer vital food for native pollinators and hummingbirds at a time when little else is flowering. By early summer, the plant produces uniquely textured berries in shades from pale orange to red. The fruit is mildly sweet, seedy, and highly nutritious. Its fast-growing and spreading nature makes it a great choice for naturalising shady areas and forest edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1265\" data-start=\"1000\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1036\" data-start=\"1000\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Thimbleberry?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1039\" data-start=\"1036\"\u003eThimbleberry thrives in Zones 4–9 and prefers partial shade to full sun in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It is ideal for woodland gardens, damp slopes, and hedgerows where it can spread naturally over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1631\" data-start=\"1267\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1298\" data-start=\"1267\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1301\" data-start=\"1298\"\u003eA traditional food plant for many Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, thimbleberries were harvested in early summer and enjoyed fresh or dried. The large leaves were also used for lining baskets and storing other fruits. Today, the berries are valued for their early availability and are often used in jams and preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1908\" data-start=\"1633\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1662\" data-start=\"1633\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1665\" data-start=\"1662\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1679\" data-start=\"1665\"\u003eZones 8–9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow outdoors in autumn or early spring.\u003cbr data-end=\"1729\" data-start=\"1726\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1743\" data-start=\"1729\"\u003eZones 5–7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stratify seeds for 30–60 days in the fridge before sowing in spring.\u003cbr data-end=\"1815\" data-start=\"1812\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1827\" data-start=\"1815\"\u003eZones 4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow indoors and transplant after last frost; mulch well to protect young plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1908\" data-start=\"1633\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2309\" data-start=\"1910\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1950\" data-start=\"1910\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Thimbleberry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1953\" data-start=\"1950\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1966\" data-start=\"1953\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 3mm (⅛in) deep in moist soil; transplant seedlings to a permanent spot in year two.\u003cbr data-end=\"2063\" data-start=\"2060\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2076\" data-start=\"2063\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment.\u003cbr data-end=\"2142\" data-start=\"2139\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2157\" data-start=\"2142\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick fruit gently once fully coloured; they detach easily when ripe.\u003cbr data-end=\"2229\" data-start=\"2226\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2245\" data-start=\"2229\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune in late winter to encourage healthy growth and flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2661\" data-start=\"2311\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2349\" data-start=\"2311\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2352\" data-start=\"2349\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2373\" data-start=\"2352\"\u003eLet Fruit Mature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow some fruit to fully ripen and dry on the plant.\u003cbr data-end=\"2430\" data-start=\"2427\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2448\" data-start=\"2430\"\u003eCollect Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mash fruit and soak in water to separate seeds from pulp.\u003cbr data-end=\"2509\" data-start=\"2506\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2527\" data-start=\"2509\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry seeds thoroughly before storing in a cool, dry place.\u003cbr data-end=\"2588\" data-start=\"2585\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2602\" data-start=\"2588\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds may remain viable for 2–3 years with proper storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2742\" data-start=\"2663\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2687\" data-start=\"2663\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2690\" data-start=\"2687\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2742\" data-start=\"2690\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811199791346,"sku":"MF-BERRY-003","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Thimbleberry.jpg?v=1772481918","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/fr\/products\/thimbleberry","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}