VICKING aronia melanocarpa

What is “Viking”?

• “Viking” is a variety of aronia (often Aronia melanocarpa or Aronia prunifolia) developed in Europe, particularly in Finland.
• It is selected for its large fruits, high productivity, and better flavor than some traditional aronia varieties (which can be very astringent). .

Main characteristics

• Hardiness/zone    
  • Resistant to cold climates, often cited for zone 3.
    
• Size at maturity    
  • Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 meters high, similar width.
    
• Exposure    
  • Full sun to partial shade. Full sun is preferred for best fruit.
    
• Foliage    
  • Glossy dark green in summer, with beautiful reddish to orange-red coloring in fall.
    
• Flowers    
  • White flowers (corymbs or clusters) in spring (late April to May, depending on the source).
    
• Fruit    
  • Purple-black berries, fairly large for aronia. Tart/bitter flavor, but considered by many to be better than wild species. Harvest around late August to September, depending on climate.
    
• Production/yield    
  • Very productive plants; some sources give up to 5 tons per acre at maturity.
    
• Pollination    
  • Self-fertile (does not require another plant to produce fruit).

Advantages

• Very hardy: tolerates cold well, which is a plus in northern regions.
• High yield, abundant fruit.
• Versatile uses: jams, juices, jellies, drying, wine, etc.
• Also attractive as an ornamental shrub: spring flowers, beautiful fall color, attracts birds.
• Relatively easy to care for: tolerates a variety of soils, including wet soils, and has few special requirements if properly planted.

Limitations/things to watch out for

• Quite astringent/bitter taste when the berries are eaten raw. Many people prefer to process them (cooking, juice, jelly) to soften them.
• Full sun helps a lot to get good fruit. In partial shade, the flavor may be less intense.
• Water requirements: especially during fruit ripening, the plant appreciates sufficient moisture.
• Late harvest: like many Ardennes berries/noble berries, harvesting takes place in late summer/early fall—the season must be long enough. Early frost can affect this.