VICKING aronia melanocarpa
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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.
- Resistant to cold climates, often cited for zone 3.
- Size at maturity
- Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 meters high, similar width.
- Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 meters high, similar width.
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade. Full sun is preferred for best fruit.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.