Aurora Haskap

Aurora is a named haskap cultivar developed by the University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program. Its variety profile describes an upright, spreading shrub with sweet, large blue berries; in Saskatchewan, it blooms around mid-May and its harvest season runs from late June into early August. ## Fruit and Pollination Plant Aurora with another compatible haskap that blooms at the same time. The University lists Aurora as compatible with Honey Bee, Tundra, Borealis, and the Indigo series, and notes that cross-pollination is needed for fruit set. The profile lists the bush at about 5–5.5 feet tall. Allow room for an upright shrub that spreads as it matures. ## Growing Conditions Choose a sunny location for the best fruit production; haskaps can grow in part sun, though the University notes that yields may be lower. Well-drained loam or sandy loam is suitable, and a well-drained clay site can also work. Keep the shallow root zone moist during establishment without leaving it waterlogged. ## Maintenance Mulch around the shrub and keep grass and weeds from competing near its shallow roots. Water new plants consistently; once established, water deeply when rainfall is insufficient. Haskaps need little pruning when young. Later, remove damaged or crowded branches and thin older stems to keep the canopy open.