How to Grow Elderberry

General Information

Botanical Name:

Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis or Sambucus canadensis

Common Names:

Elderberry, American Elderberry, Common Elderberry

Plant Family:

Viburnaceae

Type:

Perennial; Medicinal; Culinary; Aromatic; Warm Season to Mild Cool Season Grower depending on climate

Our Favorite Varieties:

Bob Gordon, Wyldewood

Know Before You Grow

Growing Zones:

3-9

Frost Hardy:

Yes

Heat Tolerant:

Moderate to good once established

Stratification:

Yes, if growing from seed

Rows, Beds, Containers:

Best in rows or beds; possible in very large containers, but not ideal long-term

Starting from Seed

When:

Start indoors after proper stratification, or sow outdoors in fall for natural winter chilling

Soil:

Seed-starting mix

Depth:

About 1/8″ to 1/4″

Water:

Keep evenly moist, not soggy

Germination:

Often slow and uneven; may take several weeks after stratification

Up Pot:

Up pot when seedlings have several true leaves and enough root growth to handle transplanting

Light:

14–16 hours under grow lights indoors; full sun outdoors once established

Soil Temperature:

About 65°F–70°F after stratification

Heat Mat:

Helpful after stratification, but not required

Harden Off:

Yes, 7–10 days before transplanting outdoors

Row, Bed, Container Prep

Soil:

Fertile, moist, well-drained soil

pH:

5.5–6.5 is ideal, though elderberry tolerates a wider range

Soil Depth or Pot Size:

At least 12–18 inches of workable soil; use a very large container if growing in a pot

Trellis:

no

Fertilizer/Feed:

Feed moderately. Elderberry responds well to fertile soil and benefits from compost and balanced feeding

Compost:

Mix in compost before planting

Transplanting/Up Potting

When:

Plant in spring or fall while weather is mild

How:

Transplant gently and water in well. Plant more than one variety if you want the best fruit set

Depth:

Same depth it was growing before

Spacing:

6–10 feet apart

Mulch:

Yes. Mulch helps hold moisture and suppress weeds

Water:

Water deeply after planting and keep evenly moist while establishing

Direct Sowing

When:

Fall is best if sowing outdoors naturally

Depth:

1/8″ to 1/4″

Spacing:

Sow thicker, then thin to final spacing once plants are established

Water:

Keep the seed zone evenly moist

Light:

Full sun to partial shade

# in Sq. Ft. Planting:

Not recommended.

Growing Care

Fertilizer/Feed:

Feed moderately. Compost yearly and use balanced feeding if growth is weak

Days to Maturity:

Usually 2–3 years before meaningful berry production

Water:

Keep evenly moist, especially while establishing and during flowering and fruiting

Pruning/Harvesting:

Prune out dead, weak, and old canes. Fruit is usually best on younger vigorous wood

Mulching:

Yes, very helpful

Pollination:

Not always strictly required, but cross-pollination between varieties usually improves fruit set and yield

Companions & Antagonists

Plant Family:

Antagonists:

Other moisture-loving herbs and pollinator plants nearby; additional elderberry varieties for better fruit set

Do not crowd it with plants that need very dry soil or with aggressive large shrubs that will shade it out

Attracts & Repels

Attracts:

Repels:

Pollinators, birds, and other wildlife

None

Pests & Disease

Pests:

Disease:

Aphids

Powdery Mildew

Borers

Leaf Spots

Spider Mites

Cankers

Scale

Root Problems

Birds

–

Seed Saving

When:

When berries are fully ripe

Method:

Remove seed from ripe fruit, clean it well, and give it the needed stratification before sowing

Harvest Time

When:

Harvest when berry clusters are fully ripe and dark purple to black

How:

Cut whole clusters, then strip berries from the stems after harvest

What:

Berries and flowers

Storing:

Refrigerate fresh fruit short-term; process quickly for best quality

Preservation Methods:

Syrup, jelly, jam, juice, wine, drying, freezing

Medicinal Uses:

Traditionally Used for:

Traditionally used for colds, flu, coughs, fever support, and immune support

Forms:

Syrup, tea/infusion, tincture, lozenges, jelly, juice

Dosage or Application:

Traditional household use varies by preparation. Elderberry is most commonly used as syrup, tea, tincture, or food-based medicine during cold and flu season. Use only properly prepared ripe berries or flowers

NOTICE:

This information is based on historical/traditional fact. It is for educational purposes only. Lowe Bridges Farm will not be held liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information and the results thereof is your responsibility, and yours alone.

Culinary Uses:

Flavor Profile:

Tart, dark, fruity, earthy

Best Used In:

Syrups, jams, jellies, pies, juice, wine, tea

Forms:

Fresh cooked berries, dried berries, juice, syrup, jelly

As an Aromatic:

Used for:

Floral-fruity aroma from the flowers and cooked berry products

How:

Flowers in teas, syrups, cordials, and dried blends; berries in cooked aromatic preparations

Troubleshooting

Weak Fruiting:

Needs more sun, more moisture, or another variety nearby for better pollination

Yellowing or Poor Growth:

Often poor fertility, drought stress, or root stress

Wilting in wet soil:

Poor drainage or root problems

No Germination from seed:

Elderberry seed usually needs stratification and can germinate slowly and unevenly

Raw plant safety problems:

Leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and unripe berries should not be eaten raw; use only properly prepared ripe berries or flowers

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