Viking Aronia Chokeberry Bush

A Tart Treat with Tons of Health Benefits! The Viking Aronia Berry, also known as Chokeberry, is a black, glossy berry bursting with tart flavor. Native to North America but widely grown in Europe for fruit production, its distinct flavor profile has notes of sweeter blueberries and cranberries but with a strong sour twist! The tartness of the Chokeberry is perfect for including in desserts or adding to recipes for muffins, jams, wines, and more. Eating these delicious Chokeberries is like snacking on sour candy, but way better for your health! They contain tons of vitamins and minerals and boost the immune system. Enjoy them fresh or freeze them for use in recipes year-round. In addition to its unique taste and abundant health benefits, this Chokeberry is an extremely hardy and low-maintenance variety. It tolerates tough climates, pests and diseases well while still producing a high yield of fruit. Before its unique berries emerge in summer, the Viking Aronia Chokeberry blooms large clusters of white flowers in spring. Surrounding the September harvest and into fall, its deep green foliage transitions to rich shades of orange with notes of purple. Enjoy an abundant supply of fresh, tart berries right from your own backyard, and create visual interest in your landscape by growing the Viking Aronia Chokeberry. Order yours today! Planting & Care 1. Planting: Choosing a Location: Aronia bushes do best in full sun but will also tolerate partially shaded areas. You will, however, enjoy a higher yield of berries in a full sun location. Planting Directions (in ground): The bush can be planted at almost any time providing your soil is not frozen. Fall and spring season planting is known to give the best fruit yield. 1) This bush is not finicky about soil but does best in a slightly acidic soil with an optimum pH range of 6.1 to 6.5. Testing your soil is always recommended for the best results with any new plant/tree. 2) Make your hole three times as wide as the plant and just as deep as the bush’s root ball. 3) Amending organic materials into your soil such as composted manure will improve water retention as well as the soil fertility. 4) As you back fill the hole, stop a couple of times to add water. This will help settle the soil and cut back on air pockets. 5) Water well after completely back filling the hole. Planting Directions (potted): Aronias can also be successfully grown in pots for a decorative bush on the patio that can still produce berries. The bush matures at a height of 4-6 feet, so you won't need a large space for the bush, but still try for full sun exposure. 1) Select a pot 1-2 sizes larger than the current pot the bush is in with good drainage holes. 2) Using a regular potting soil, be sure to avoid any air pockets as you pot the bush. 3) Water generously once you've finished potting to help the soil settle. 4) Place next to a south-facing window for maximum sun exposure. 2. Watering: Try to keep your soil moisture consistent for the first couple of years. Aronia bushes need at least an inch of rain per week so be sure to water well twice a week to simulate the rainfall. You may need to water a bit more during extended dry periods or during summer heat. More mature plants will not require as much water and will be adaptable to hot and dry conditions. For the first couple of years, the soil needs to be kept moist so mulching is highly recommended to conserve water and prevent competing weeds from growing. Leaf spot can occur on aronia bushes but is easily avoided by watering at the base of the bush instead of a “rain down” fashion. 3. Pruning: Late in its dormant season, prune some of the older branches of your bush down to the ground to promote new growth and a bushier form. Good airflow is essential to the health of the bush and will simultaneously prevent disease or damage from occurring. Always prune at a 45 degree angle and with sterilized cutters. 4. Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not often needed but in instances where the soil is lacking in nutrients, a good feeding with a balanced formula is recommended. Wait to apply the fertilizer until the spring season. 5. Harvesting: The late summer to early fall seasons are when you will be looking to see if your berries are ready to be picked. They tend to be a lot sweeter if left on the bush after the first initial frost of the season. If there is any hint of red to the color of the berries, they're not ready to be harvested. To harvest, simply grab a cluster of the berries and drag your hands down (tying a bucket to your waist is handy to keep both hands free for mass harvesting).