The aronia bush, originally from North America, also thrives excellently in the Central European and North German climate. The plant is considered easy to care for and produces high yields. The fruits, which are similar to blueberries, taste sour and sweet and contain a lot of vitamins and are also rich in iron and antioxidants. Aronia berries can be processed in many ways.

Which location is optimal?

A sunny or partially shaded location is ideal.

What soil qualities does the shrub need?

The aronia shrub is both undemanding and very adaptable: it grows and thrives on almost any soil. Nutrient-poor soils can be enriched with compost fertilizer and/or humus for the best possible growth. The plants love moist soil, but also thrive on sandy or clay soil. Plants on sandy soil should be watered frequently, while waterlogging should be avoided on clay soil. Even slightly saline or acidic soils do not harm the aronia bush. The ideal pH is between 6.0 and 6.5.

What is the best way to plant my aronia bush?

The aronia shrub is a deep-rooting plant, which is why you should dig up and loosen the soil thoroughly before planting. Now dig a planting hole whose circumference is about twice as large as the root ball. Fill the bale with loose soil and press it down firmly. Make sure the root ball is covered with soil. However, the plant should not be too deep in the ground. Then water the plant abundantly. With potted shrubs that are already well rooted, it makes sense to soak the root ball with water before planting.

At what distance should I plant the shrubs?

Depending on the variety, a planting distance of between one and one and a half meters is recommended. Tall varieties such as Rubina even need a distance of 1.80 meters. If a hedge is to be planted, you should choose a distance of about half a meter.

When should I plant an aronia bush?

Aronia bushes are commercially available as "bare-root" bushes or as potted bushes that are already well rooted. Bare root shrubs should be planted at the end of winter. The prerequisite, however, is that there is no longer any ground frost. Well-rooted plants can also be planted in summer, but will then no longer bear fruit in the same year. However, the ideal time for planting is in autumn or late autumn.

How often should I water and/or fertilize?

The aronia shrub is very easy to care for: you usually do not have to fertilize it at all or very rarely. Regular watering is actually not necessary, unless the summer is very hot and dry.

When and how should I prune the shrub?

A blend is only rarely necessary. You should prune your aronia bush for the first time after about four to seven years. You can tell the optimal time for this by the growth width: If the bush is so wide that no more flowers are formed inside, it is time for a cut. This is best done in late fall.

What diseases are there and what can I do about them?

The shrub is extremely robust and rarely develops diseases.

When does the bush bloom and how is fertilization done?

The flowering of the chokeberry occurs in May. Pure white flowers can be seen for about 10 days. The shrub is self-pollinating, but bees also like to fly to it. Pollination by bees, bumblebees and other insects results in higher fruit yields. Because of this, it can be worthwhile for beekeepers to set up their hives near these shrubs.

When can I harvest?

An aronia plant usually bears the first fruits from the second year of growth. The main harvest time is from the end of August until well into September.

I want to propagate my aronia bushes. What is the best way to proceed?

Aronia bushes can easily be propagated via their fruits, but also via cuttings and so-called root shoots. For growing new shrubs, collect the seeds from the fruit. You can grow new plants from these seeds in pots on the windowsill. However, propagation is easier with cuttings, and even easier with root shoots that have already taken root. You should take cuttings or root shoots in the spring, before they bud.

What do I have to do in winter?

Aronia bushes are also extremely easy to care for in this respect. Most varieties survive very well even harsh winters with temperatures down to - 35 °C. Even freezing rain, snow and other cold inconveniences do not harm the plant. However, you can make the soil frost-proof with fir branches, coconut or cork mats and thus protect your plants better.

tips and tricks

In order to grow a bushy aronia hedge, you should prune the bushes in the first and second year. It is sufficient to shorten the basic shoots. However, severe pruning is not recommended, otherwise no flowers and therefore no fruit will be formed in the following year.

Category:

Vegetable garden