Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) KRASNOJARSKAJA

Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) 'Krasnoyarskaya'

Super-hardy Russian variety featuring massive berries and a record-breaking yield of up to 30 kg per bush.

The 'Krasnoyarskaya' variety is the absolute flagship among Russian Saskatoon berries. Bred specifically for the extreme conditions of Siberia and the Urals, it is one of the most resilient fruit-bearing plants in the world. Beyond its utility – large, sweet berries with no astringency – it is highly valued for its elegant umbrella-shaped habit and breathtaking autumn foliage. It is the perfect choice for growers looking for maximum low-maintenance and harvest security in any climate.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extreme Hardiness: Survives temperatures down to -52 °C (-61 °F) without damage.
• Large and Tasty Fruit: Juicy berries with a diameter of up to 1.8 cm and a superior sweet flavor.
• Record Productivity: A mature bush yields between 25 to 30 kg of fruit.
• Fruit Stays on Branches: Ripe berries hold firmly and do not drop.
• Ornamental Value: Vibrant autumn colors and a graceful, umbrella-like crown.
• Highly drought tolerant and adaptable to any soil type.

Variety Characteristics

Shrub / Tree

• Growth and Habit: A vigorously growing multi-stemmed shrub that resembles a small tree with a cap- or umbrella-shaped crown at maturity. Reaches 3 to 4 meters in height.
• Foliage: Leaves change colors throughout the season: reddish in spring, deep green in summer, and vibrant yellow-red-orange in autumn.
• Flowering: White flowers arranged in numerous clusters (7 to 15 flowers each).

Fruit

• Size and Color: Very large for the species (16 – 18 mm diameter, approx. 2 g). Purple-black at full maturity with a prominent waxy bloom.
• Flavor and Pulp: Harmoniously sweet with a very slight tang, completely free of astringency. The pulp has a pleasant jelly-like texture.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Super-cold-hardy variety, ideal for the harshest northern locations.
• Health: Naturally resistant to pests and diseases, making it perfect for 100% organic growing.
• Soil: Highly adaptable, thrives even with minimal care.

Harvest and Yield

• Harvest Time: Late variety, ripening in July and August. Ripening is relatively uniform but occurs in waves, allowing for 2 to 3 harvest phases.
• Yield: Exceptionally high productivity (up to 30 kg per plant).
• Use: Fresh eating, processing into jams and syrups, or as a dense edible hedge.