When it comes to caring for chokeberries (or aronia berries), you really can't go wrong. The shrub is robust, frugal and extremely easy to care for. Aronia is therefore the perfect plant for gardeners without a "green thumb". If you follow these tips, you can look forward to a rich harvest in the fall.

Which location is ideal?

Aronia bushes love the sun! The more sun they get, the more fruit they produce. It is therefore in your own interest to ensure that your chokeberry is placed in as sunny a location as possible. Locations with sufficient soil and air moisture are also optimal, while a high lime content in combination with dryness has a rather unfavorable effect. Otherwise, chokeberries are extremely adaptable to different soil conditions.

Can I put an aronia bush on my balcony?

Yes, that is possible. However, the bucket should be sufficiently large and deep, because aronia bushes develop deep roots. It is advisable to choose one of the smaller varieties - for example 'Hugin', as some cultivars can grow very tall. Potted plants should also be watered and fertilized regularly.

How often do I have to water my aronia bushes?

Basically, it is not necessary to water the chokeberry bushes. The only exceptions are when there is a strong heat/dry period or the soil is rather sandy. Sandy soils store water poorly and are therefore often too dry. An annual rainfall of between 500 and 600 millimeters is optimal - but as a gardener you usually have no influence on the frequency of the rain.

How often does Aronia need to be fertilized? And with what?

Aronia bushes rarely need to be fertilized. Organic fertilizers such as B. Manure. Potted plants can be adequately supplied with horn meal and compost.

When and how can the shrubs be pruned?

Likewise, the shrubs do not need to be pruned. An annual pruning is sufficient to thin out the shoots.

diseases and pests

Both diseases and pests are hardly observed. very rarely an infestation with winter moths or mountain ash moths occurs.

propagation and cultivation

Propagation by seeds is possible; however, it is easier to get new shrubs from cuttings. Breeding from cuttings is simply much faster, and you are protected from surprises. In contrast to seeds, cuttings have the same genetic material as the host plant, while mutations can occur in successors grown from seeds.

What to do in winter

In this respect, too, the chokeberry is pleasantly uncomplicated. The northern European varieties in particular are very frost hardy - down to - 30 °C - and survive even harsh winters excellently. Potted plants, however, should be protected from severe frost, otherwise they will die of thirst. For this purpose, you can cover the soil in the bucket with fir branches or coconut mats (€21.90).

tips and tricks

It is also very easy to grow a standard from the bushy shrub. To do this, graft a well-developed chokeberry plant eye onto the young trunk of a mountain ash. The best way to do this is to use a technique called "oculating."

Category:

Vegetable garden