Irga has long won the love of gardeners not only for its unpretentiousness, but also for its ability to turn a plot into a source of vitamins.
The fruits of the chokeberry are a real natural concentrate of useful substances.
They contain vitamins C and B2, carotenoids, folic acid, as well as iron, iodine and copper. The berries strengthen blood vessels, reduce blood pressure and help remove heavy metals.
In folk medicine they are used to treat stomach problems, and dried fruits are added to teas and decoctions.
Irga does not require chemical treatment, which makes it an environmentally friendly product.
The irga takes root in any soil except swampy soil. It can withstand frosts down to -40°C and is not afraid of drought.
It is best to plant it in a sunny place - then the berries will be sweet and large. But even in the shade the plant will not die, although the harvest will be more modest.
The flowers are self-pollinating, so one bush is enough for fruiting. You can replant the irga in spring or autumn, and the first berries will appear in a year.
Even a beginner can grow irgi. The easiest way is to separate the shoots from an adult bush or root the cuttings. The seeds are sown in the fall in a mixture of sand and humus, and shoots appear in the spring.
The first ten years the plant requires almost no care: watering is needed only during drought, and pruning - when the crown thickens. If growth slows down, remove old branches, leaving 10-12 strong trunks, and add organic matter.
The harvest is collected in July-August, and the berries are used to make jams, compotes, or simply frozen.
Irga is an ideal choice for those who value time, but want to see the garden useful and beautiful. It does not ask for much attention, but gives generously in return.
