Rowan-Aronia Hybrid (Sorbaronia complex hybrid) TITAN

Rowan-Aronia Hybrid (Sorbaronia complex hybrid) 'Titan'

Fascinating Michurin cross with large cherry-red fruits and high frost hardiness.

'Titan' is one of the last and most complex breeding achievements of the famous I. V. Michurin. Although it resembles a classic rowan at first glance, genetically it is a fascinating mix – created by pollinating a rowan-aronia cross with apple and pear pollen. This unique pedigree resulted in fruit that is larger, attractively cherry-red, and free of the strong bitterness of wild rowan. It is an absolutely undemanding, frost-hardy, and densely foliated small tree, ideal for organic cultivation.

Key Highlights:

• Unique genetics: Complex hybrid of rowan, aronia, apple, and pear.
• Large fruits: Approx. 1.5 cm in diameter, attractive cherry-red color.
• Rich in Vitamin C and pectin: Ideal for healthy processing (33 mg Vit. C / 100 g).
• Extreme frost hardiness: Perfectly adapted to harsh climates.
• Compact growth (3–4 m), self-fertile, and high ornamental value.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: Russia (Breeder Ivan Vladimirovich Michurin). Crossed around 1930, but officially registered much later in 1999.
• Genetics: Pollination of the rowan-aronia 'Burka' with a mixture of apple and pear pollen.

Variety Characteristics

Bush / Small Tree

• Growth: Small tree or shrub with a dense, round crown.
• Height: Reaches a height of 3 to 4 meters.
• Flowering: From May to June, it produces numerous white corymbose flower clusters.

Fruit

• Size and Shape: Large spherical pomes (approx. 1.5 cm in diameter, weight 1.2 g), growing in large clusters (corymbs).
• Color and Flesh: Cherry-red when ripe. The flesh is intensely yellow.
• Taste: Sweet-sour, with only mild astringency (more palatable than pure rowan).
• Usage: Excellent for making jams and jellies to accompany venison/cheese (due to pectin). A popular raw material for wines, liqueurs, syrups, and spirits.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Very high frost resistance.
• Diseases: High disease resistance. Does not require chemical treatments (ideal for organic farming).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: The variety is self-fertile, requiring no pollinator.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-September.
• Storage: A major advantage is the ability for long-term fruit storage (they can last in storage for several months).