Viking Aronia (Chokeberry) – The Superfruit Powerhouse

Viking Aronia is renowned as the most productive cultivar of Aronia, capable of yielding an impressive five tons per acre. Celebrated for its exceptional nutritional value, this superfruit boasts some of the highest levels of phytonutrients among berries, making it a top choice for health-conscious growers and consumers alike.

Berry Features:

• Latin: Aronia melanocarpa x Sorbus aucuparia 'Viking'
• Fruit Appearance: Deep purple to black berries forming loose clusters of up to 12 pea-sized fruits.
• Ripening Time: Fruits ripen in late summer, perfect for seasonal harvests.
• Taste Profile: Due to their naturally dry texture and high acidity, Aronia berries are rarely eaten fresh. Instead, they shine in juices, wines, marmalades, teas, and other blends, where their flavor is enhanced with complementary fruits.

Why Choose Viking Aronia?

• Highly Productive: One of the most bountiful varieties, ideal for both home gardens and commercial growers.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, Aronia berries are part of the growing superfruit industry.
• Cold Tolerant: Thrives in Hardiness Zones 4–7, making it an excellent choice for growers in colder climates.
• Harvest Friendly: Easy to harvest by hand or mechanical methods, perfect for operations of any scale.
• Convenient Sizing: Sold in a 3.25-inch pot, ready to plant and establish in your garden.

Conventional Growing Practices

This Viking Aronia is conventionally grown, ensuring a robust, healthy plant that’s ready to thrive in your landscape or garden.

Historical Background

Aronia, commonly known as "chokeberry," is native to North America and was traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for its health benefits. Over time, it gained popularity in Europe for its medicinal and culinary uses. Today, Viking Aronia continues this legacy, thriving as a staple in sustainable agriculture due to its hardiness and resilience.

Growing Instructions:

1. Planting:

   • Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.
   • Well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
   • Space plants approximately 3–5 feet apart for proper airflow and growth.

2. Watering:

   • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots.
   • Once established, plants are drought-tolerant but benefit from consistent moisture during fruiting.

3. Fertilization:

   • Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer for optimal fruit production.

4. Pruning:

   • Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak branches and encourage new growth.

5. Pest and Disease Management:

   • Viking Aronia is naturally resistant to many common pests and diseases. Employ Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, such as monitoring for pests, encouraging beneficial insects, and using organic controls when needed.

Key Benefits for Growers:

• Perfect for small farms, homesteads, and gardens looking to add a high-yielding, nutrient-rich crop.
• A sustainable choice for growers embracing cold-hardy, low-maintenance plants.
• Ideal for those creating juices, wines, and other artisanal products.

Plant Viking Aronia today and enjoy a robust, productive plant that delivers health and sustainability in every cluster! Each plant is grown with care and shipped in a 3.25-inch pot, ready to thrive in your garden. They quickly establish and will bear their first year!