Cultivation secrets of aronia in a pot or garden
Aronia is a wild fruit, a superfood with high nutritional and medicinal value, which contains many antioxidants and vitamins. Originally from North America, the aronia is a slow-growing deciduous shrub that reaches 1-2 meters in height and has characteristic leaves that resemble those of an apple.
It usually blooms in July with white flowers that give us round black fruits at the end of summer, during the period August-September. Aronia fruits are eaten fresh or dried and can be made into jam, syrup and even juice.
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What conditions are needed for the cultivation of aronia?
Aronia performs best in acidic and moist soils, however it can be grown in most soil types, as long as they have good drainage to avoid root rot problems. Aronia is planted in sunny or semi-shady places and is very resistant to winter frosts. On the contrary, it is sensitive to high summer temperatures and dry seasons. Aronia is planted at distances of 2 meters between the plants and 3 meters between the planting lines that provide us with good ventilation and sunshine for our cultivation.
To plant aronia in a pot, we choose a relatively large pot with a diameter of 30-40 cm, as the plant grows many branches, and fluffy general purpose soil that ensures good drainage of water.
What are the watering and fertilizing needs of aronia cultivation?
Aronia needs regular watering as it is sensitive to periods of drought. Especially in summer, watering 2-3 times a week is required using a drip irrigation system for greater efficiency and water savings. Particular attention to watering should be given in the first 2-3 years after planting to be able to create strong aronia plants.
During planting, it is important to enrich the soil with organic matter, incorporating manure and compost. Aronia is not very demanding on nutrients and it is enough to add organic fertilizer in the spring.
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How is aronia pruned and how is it multiplied?
Aronia does not need special pruning, although only at the end of winter, we remove dry and weak branches so that the plant can have better ventilation and lighting. Aronia is easily propagated by both seeds and cuttings. Aronia is sown in late winter and the seeds need about 2 months to germinate in the spring. Propagation by cuttings is done by cutting young shoots during the summer and planting them in pots that we keep in a cool environment until the new aronia plants take root.
And a secret for aronia
Aronia due to its hard leathery foliage, is very resistant to disease and insects. The most important danger for aronia plants are the birds, as during the summer when the aronia fruits ripen they can cause significant damage. To protect aronia plants from birds we use special nets, scarecrows and sound production devices.
