Viking Aronia Berry (Chokeberry)

A Native Superfruit that’s Easy to Grow

Selected and introduced in Finland around 1980, ‘Viking’ yields upwards of 10 pounds of fruit per bush that ripen evenly, making it the most productive cultivar of black aronia (chokeberry) on the market. These characteristics make it the best choice for commercial growers or backyard growers who want more “bang for their buck” in terms of production and ease of harvest.

‘Viking’ tends to grow slightly taller (5-8 ft.) and more upright than other standard cultivars but can be pruned back to desired height. Viking aronia is an ideal choice for anyone wanting the benefits of a superfruit with without the price tag from a store, all from the comfort of your own home.

About Aronia:

Bearing large clusters of berries that go from bright green to pink to a dark purple when ripe, Aronia are known for their distinctive dry, tart taste when eaten raw. Do not let this fact dissuade you from experiencing its incredible health benefits and amazingly complex flavor profile which includes hints of blueberry, elderberry, tart cherries and pomegranates. Aronia is primarily a processing fruit and can be used in numerous different ways including: frozen, made into juice, jam (our personal household favorite, especially when paired with blackberry), syrup or tea, as well as, dried and powdered to be used as a flavoring.

The health benefits are plentiful, as are the ways in which to use it. Aronia berries provide powerful antioxidant protection, support heart health, and can even aid in controlling blood sugar. The berries are full of high amounts of anthocyanins, vitamin C and fiber. It’s both a medicine and a food that you can grow in your own backyard!

As though it couldn’t get any better, Aronia is also a fantastically easy fruit to grow. It requires partial to full sun with well-draining soil and is adaptable to clay, sandy or loamy soils. It requires minimal fertilizing, is self-fertile and does not generally suffer from disease or pest issues in most circumstances. Pruning is not required but can be done if desired. The bush will begin bearing fruit 2-3 years after planting so it doesn’t require a long wait before you can start reaping its many benefits. Harvesting is as simple as pulling the clusters of fruit off into a bowl and the plant, though in the rose family, does not have any thorns.

USDA Zones: 3-8

Spacing: 4-6 foot centers; 3-4 foot if grown as a hedge

Pollination Requirements: Fully self-fertile; does not need a different cultivar to cross-pollinate.

Grown & Shipped In: 4x4x9 tree pots with advanced root systems

Shipping Season: Spring (dormant) & Autumn (not dormant) – Subject to tree availability

Beautiful Beginnings Aronias have highly-developed and extensive root systems that set your plant up for success from the very beginning by helping it to anchor well and grow vigorously with proper care. Trees are also grown and shipped in a way to help them handle transplant stress better and to be able to uptake nutrients more effectively.