Black chokeberry pruning

Aronia or black chokeberry is a fruit shrub that produces typical black berries. Aronia melanocarpa, is the Latin name and birds as well as humans love this fruit. This shrub can reach up to 3 meters in height. A big shrub. It starts producing fruit in the second to third year after planting, most often at the turn of August and September. Wine, juices or liqueurs are usually made from these wonderful berries. They are a great source of vitamins C, E, B2, B9 and others beneficial substances.

Growing requirements

Aronia can adapt to almost any conditions but to achieve maximum fruit production, you need to provide ideal growing conditions. That includes a sunny location, proper watering at every stage of development, fertilization and regular pruning. Pruning helps you to control the shape and size of the bush. If these conditions are not met, Aronia will still grow but you will have a less rich harvest. Unfortunately, Aronia is also susceptible to fungal diseases.

Photo: Pixabay

Pruning

Aronia is not demanding plant but the most important care is regular pruning. The ideal time to prune Aronia is in early spring (April) because shoots have not yet sprouted and have not developed buds. If you prune later, it could reduce the yield significantly. You do not have prune every year. Experts recommend pruning once every two to three years.

Pruning process

Aronia bears fruit on shoots that are two to six years old so, when you prune, remove shoots that are at least six year old. Make the first cut above the second or third bud, which should shorten the plant by a third or by a half. This encourages growth. Further, remove shoots that are lying on the ground and dying shoots of course. In the following years you should remove three to five strongest shoots. Leave about twelve shoots on a five-year-old plant. Regularly remove weak, diseased or those shoots that grow at an unnatural angle or inward.

Root shoots and their removal

Aronia produces a lot of root suckers which may be used for propagation by cuttings. If you do not want to propagate, cut them off as they weaken the plant. They also increase the density of the bush and make it more susceptible to mould diseases and block much needed light. Dense bush makes harvesting harder too.

Source:

https://muratordom.pl/ogrod/pielegnacja-roslin/ciecie-aronii-dlaczego-nalezy-ciac-aronie-sposoby-ciecia-terminy-ciecia-aa-gmCS-ZXEZ-3cPh.html

https://www.skrblik.cz/navod/jak-prorezat-aronii/

Preview photo: Pixabay