Black Chokeberry 20+ PCS fresh seeds, Aronia melanocarpa seeds

🌱 Aronia melanocarpa — Black Chokeberry, Chokeberry

Seeds of the Black Chokeberry, a fruit tree or shrub, a species of the genus Aronia of the Rosaceae family. Aronia melanocarpa is grown as a food, ornamental and medicinal shrub.

🌿 Botanical Description

Aronia melanocarpa is a highly branching shrub, up to 2.5—3 meters high, in its natural range (eastern North America) usually reaches 0.5-2 m, rarely 4 meters in height. At a young age, the crown is compressed, compact; at maturity, it becomes spreading and reaches 1.5-2 meters in diameter. Annual shoots are red-brown, then dark gray. Leaves 2.5-7 × 2.5-3.5 cm. Starting from the second half of September, the leaves are colored in red-purple tones. The flowers are bisexual, small, with a double perianth, with five free petals, white or slightly pinkish, collected in dense inflorescences in the form of complex shields with a diameter of 5-6 cm. There are 18-20 stamens in the flower. Flowering begins in the second half of May - early June; depending on weather conditions, flowering lasts 12-16 days. The anthers are purple in color and slightly rise above the stigmas. Blooms in late spring - early summer after leafing for 10-14 days. The fruits are spherical, less often compressed-rounded, black or black-purple, shiny, with a bluish bloom, 6-8 mm in diameter, edible, sour-sweet taste with astringent tart taste. The weight of one fruit is 0.6-1.5 grams. The fruits of the bred varieties are larger. The fruits ripen in August, September.

🌾 Growing & Agrotechnics

• Sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in well-draining soil in early spring or late summer/early fall. Stratification is not required.
• Germination temperature: 15-20°C (59-68°F), germination time: 1-3 months.
• Soil type: fertile, well-draining soil, pH: 5.5-6.5.
• Watering and fertilization: regular watering, fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8, frost tolerance: moderate.

🗺️ Natural Growing Areas

Native range: eastern North America, climate zones: temperate, typical habitats: woodland edges, streamsides, altitude range: 0-500 m.

✨ Interesting Facts

Aronia melanocarpa has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The fruits are rich in antioxidants and have been used to treat various health conditions. The plant is also used as a food source and is a popular ornamental shrub.