{"product_id":"aurora-honeyberry","title":"Aurora Honeyberry","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"nyiref\" data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"107\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAurora Honeyberry\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"108\" data-end=\"138\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"108\" data-end=\"138\"\u003eLonicera caerulea ‘Aurora’\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"140\" data-end=\"747\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAurora Honeyberry is one of the most exciting early-season berries you can grow. Also known as \u003cstrong data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"245\"\u003eHaskap\u003c\/strong\u003e, this hardy fruiting shrub produces beautiful deep-blue berries with a sweet-tart flavor that many describe as a mix between blueberry, raspberry, and grape. Aurora is especially loved because its berries are larger and sweeter than many older honeyberry varieties, with a unique pointed pear-like shape. It was introduced through the University of Saskatchewan breeding program and is known for being productive, cold hardy, and a strong choice for home growers. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"749\" data-end=\"1118\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eHoneyberries are one of the first fruits of the season, often ripening before many blueberries. The berries can be eaten fresh, frozen, made into jams, syrups, pies, juices, wine, or added to smoothies and baked goods. They are rich, flavorful, and treasured by gardeners because they bring fruit early in the year when most berry plants are still just getting started.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1120\" data-end=\"1494\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAurora grows as an upright fruiting shrub, commonly reaching around \u003cstrong data-start=\"1188\" data-end=\"1205\"\u003e5–7 feet tall\u003c\/strong\u003e with good care. It prefers \u003cstrong data-start=\"1233\" data-end=\"1259\"\u003efull sun to part shade\u003c\/strong\u003e and well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Honeyberries are very cold hardy and can handle harsh winters, but they also grow well in many home orchards, food forests, and homestead berry rows. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1496\" data-end=\"1891\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAurora does best with a compatible honeyberry planted nearby for pollination. For best fruit production, plant it with another variety that blooms at the same time, such as \u003cstrong data-start=\"1669\" data-end=\"1715\"\u003eHoney Bee, Borealis, Tundra, or Indigo Gem\u003c\/strong\u003e. The University of Saskatchewan notes that \u003cstrong data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1783\"\u003eAurora and Honey Bee\u003c\/strong\u003e are very productive together and are good cross-pollination partners. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1i7nk90\" data-start=\"1893\" data-end=\"1913\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eShipped Bare Root\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1915\" data-end=\"2215\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThis plant is shipped \u003cstrong data-start=\"1937\" data-end=\"1950\"\u003ebare root\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning it will arrive dormant without soil around the roots. This is normal and is one of the best ways to ship hardy fruiting plants safely. When your plant arrives, open the package right away and check the roots. The roots should be kept moist, not dried out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2444\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eIf you cannot plant immediately, keep the roots wrapped in damp paper towels, damp peat, or damp potting mix and store the plant in a cool, shaded location for a short time. Do not leave the roots exposed to sun, wind, or heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1qa12nv\" data-start=\"2446\" data-end=\"2464\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eBefore Planting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2834\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eBefore planting, soak the bare roots in clean water for \u003cstrong data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2536\"\u003e8–24 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e to rehydrate the plant. Do not soak for several days, as roots still need oxygen. Plant as soon as possible, ideally within a few days of arrival. Bare-root planting guides commonly recommend soaking before planting and getting plants into the ground quickly. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1t0h4o\" data-start=\"2836\" data-end=\"2869\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eHow to Plant Aurora Honeyberry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2871\" data-end=\"3148\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eChoose a spot with full sun to part shade. Full sun usually gives the best fruit production, but in hotter areas, a little afternoon shade can help reduce stress. Honeyberries like fertile, well-drained soil with steady moisture. They do not like sitting in waterlogged ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3150\" data-end=\"3564\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eDig a hole wide enough to spread the roots naturally without bending them tightly. Place the plant so the crown sits at about the same level it was growing before. Backfill with loose soil, gently firm around the roots, and water deeply to remove air pockets. Add mulch around the base to help hold moisture, protect the roots, and reduce weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stem so the plant can breathe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3566\" data-end=\"3679\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eSpace honeyberries about \u003cstrong data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3609\"\u003e4–6 feet apart\u003c\/strong\u003e for a berry row or hedge, giving each plant room to grow and produce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"7ew5pq\" data-start=\"3681\" data-end=\"3701\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eWatering and Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3703\" data-end=\"4087\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAfter planting, water deeply and keep the soil evenly moist while the plant establishes. Honeyberries have fairly shallow roots, so consistent moisture is important, especially during the first couple of years and during fruit development. A good rule is about \u003cstrong data-start=\"3964\" data-end=\"3992\"\u003e1 inch of water per week\u003c\/strong\u003e, more during hot, dry weather if the soil is drying out. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4089\" data-end=\"4267\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eMulching is highly recommended. Use wood chips, straw, leaves, or another natural mulch to help keep the root zone cool and moist. This is especially helpful in Arkansas summers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4269\" data-end=\"4473\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eDo not heavily fertilize at planting. A light amount of compost or gentle organic fertilizer is enough. Too much strong fertilizer can burn young roots or push weak growth before the plant is established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77yq1o\" data-start=\"4475\" data-end=\"4485\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ePruning\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4487\" data-end=\"4806\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eHoneyberries do not need heavy pruning when young. For the first few years, focus on helping the plant establish a strong root system. Remove only broken, dead, or damaged branches. Once mature, thin out older wood as needed to allow light and airflow through the plant. This helps keep the bush healthy and productive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1km1op6\" data-start=\"4808\" data-end=\"4818\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eHarvest\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4820\" data-end=\"5087\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAurora Honeyberries turn deep blue before they are fully ripe, so do not rush the harvest. Let the berries hang a little longer after they turn blue so the flavor can fully sweeten. A ripe honeyberry should come off the plant easily and have a rich sweet-tart flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"16mrm2o\" data-start=\"5089\" data-end=\"5119\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eWhy Grow Aurora Honeyberry?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5121\" data-end=\"5467\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAurora is a wonderful choice for homesteads, edible landscapes, berry rows, and backyard fruit growers. It is hardy, productive, beautiful, and gives you one of the earliest berry harvests of the season. With the right pollination partner and steady moisture, Aurora can become a long-term fruiting shrub that blesses your garden year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5469\" data-end=\"5635\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5469\" data-end=\"5635\"\u003eBare-root Aurora Honeyberry plants are shipped dormant and ready for planting. For best fruit production, plant with another compatible honeyberry variety nearby.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yahuah's Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53602420654379,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0944\/1456\/9771\/files\/honeyberry-lonicera-kamtschatica.jpg?v=1779313595","url":"https:\/\/yahuahsfarm.myshopify.com\/products\/aurora-honeyberry","provider":"Yahuahs Farm ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}