Chokeberrry (Aronia )- 30 seeds

Chokeberry (Aronia melancarpa) can grow to six feet height & width. Since
it grows rapidly, we did not have to wait long to see the under-four-feet
narrow specimen (shown in the second photo when first planted early in
2002) become an impressive large shrub within a year.

In May it covers itself with white flowers which are turning into glossy black
ones.

The medicinal properties of this plant are amazing. It is said that "Aronia
berries" (they call them that because using "chokeberries might give people
the idea that they might choke on them) contain high levels of vitamins,
antioxidants, and polyphenols that reduce the potential for obesity,cancer
and heart disease. New studies are being done to reduce and control blood
sugar in diabetics too. Products made from chokeberries include jams,
jellies, juice and Aronia wine. Fruits can be harvested gradually from
September to October as they last on the tree/shrub without rotting for a
long time

Sowing: Chokeberry seeds have an internal dormancy that can be overcome by

stratification in a moist medium . Optimal conditions for the germination of
chokecherry seed require 16-24 weeks of stratification at 3°C (37°F) in moist sand:
peat. Moist vermiculite, or 1:1 peat:perlite may also be used. The volume of
medium used should be 1-3 times that of the seeds.

Chokecherry seed will germinate with no pretreatment if sown outdoors in the fall.
The seed should be sown at 1 cm (0.4 in) depth, or covered with 1-4 cm (0.5-1.5 in)
mulch. The seeds are subsequently germinated at 21-27°C (70-81°F)
DOC 2

Aronia Berry
Aronia melanocarpa

Soak seed in water for 24 hours.

Either sow in autumn for natural seed chilling prior to germination, or mix with damp
vermiculite in bag and place in fridge for 90 days, allow air into bag twice per week.
Sow direct/cold frame in autumn or any time of year following chilling, prefers moist
peaty soil, cover with 2mm compost. Germinates in 30-90 days.

Growing on: Water seedlings regularly. When leaves develop, pot into 3 inch pots. Place
in a sunny but sheltered position or in a greenhouse or conservatory. Keep protected in
first year.
Very hardy once established, these plants will thrive in wet and boggy areas. Can reach
up to 18’ high and 6’ wide. Heavy pruning of the plant will keep it looking neat and will
encourage flowering and fruiting. Flowers May/June.
SUPERFRUIT: Very high in Vitamin C, Antioxidants and high levels of many other
vitamins and minerals.
Particular Health Notes: Great for liver health, anti-cancer, preventing heart disease.
DOC 3

Soak seed in water for 24 hours.

Either sow in autumn for natural seed chilling prior to germination, or mix with damp
vermiculite in bag and place in fridge for 90 days, allow air into bag twice per week.

Sow direct/cold frame in autumn or any time of year following chilling, prefers moist
peaty soil, cover with 2mm compost. Germinates in 30-90 days.

Growing on: Water seedlings regularly. When leaves develop, pot into 3 inch pots. Place
in a sunny but sheltered position or in a greenhouse or conservatory. Keep protected in
first year.

Very hardy once established, these plants will thrive in wet and boggy areas. Can reach
up to 18’ high and 6’ wide. Heavy pruning of the plant will keep it looking neat and will
encourage flowering and fruiting. Flowers May/June.

SUPERFRUIT: Very high in Vitamin C, Antioxidants and high levels of many other
vitamins and minerals.

Particular Health Notes: Great for liver health, anti-cancer, preventing heart disease.