Elderberries
Easy To Grow
Elderberries are one of the easiest fruits and medicinals to grow. They are hardy, productive and require very little input in order to reap a bountiful harvest the 2nd season after planting and every season from then on.
Versitle
The uses of elderberry are seemingly endless. The flowers are used in making teas, cordials, cocktails and even skincare products. The berries are used in making juices, wines, jams, jellies, pies, syrups and even medicinal preperations. Just about the only thing you can’t do with elderberry is eat it raw off the bush!
Medicinal
Elderberry has a long history of being used all over Europe and North America for its immune boosting and anti-viral properties. It is such a powerful immune supplement that it is commonly added to many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines today.
Beneficial
Not only are elderberries tasty and medicinal, they are a beautiful addition to any garden, providing copious amounts of large, sweet smelling flowers that are much loved by local pollinators and butterflies alike. Their large, bushy growth habit also serves as a wonderful summer privacy hedge.
If you love elderberries, you’ll love these!
FAQ
What does elderberry taste like?
Elderberries are often described as having a rich flavor that is both sweet and tart with earthy undertones. When cooked, the sweetness of the elderberry becomes much more pronounced and balanced and is like a blend of blackberries and black currants with a slightly musky or piney note that is very pleasant and brings a unique depth to the flavor.
How do you eat an elderberry?
It is considered best not to eat elderberries raw because the raw berries can cause mild-moderate stomach upset when eaten in high quantities. Cooking the berries, however, makes them completely safe and beneficial to be consumed. Elderberry can be used in baked goods in any way other berries are used such as in pies, cobblers, crumbles and muffins. It makes some of the best jams and jellies, syrups, juice and even wine. Beyond the culinary world, it is consumed for its many incredible health benefits. Elder flowers also have medicinal value and are used in teas, cordials, cocktails and desserts.
Where can I find elderberries?
The Sambucus canadensis elderberry is native to North America, specifically east of the Rocky Mountains and from Canada down to the Gulf Coast. It thrives in all types of conditions and can often be found growing as a pioneer species in disturbed areas. The fruit quality of the wild elderberries is generally good and very usable. For those looking for the best elderberry bushes, however, that have improved characteristics such as productivity, sweetness, and size, named cultivars can be purchased through reputable nurseries.
Growing Tips for Success
Choose the Right Location:
When choosing a tree or bush to plant, one of the most important questions to ask yourself first is, “Is this specific plant suited to my specific climate?” If you can answer, “yes”, the next step is to consider your specific site conditions. While elderberry bushes are extremely adaptable and can grow in less-than-ideal locations, they prefer moist, well-draining soils with full sun. Our rule of thumb is, “the more sun, the more fruit.” While elderberries can grow in partial shade, they will be happiest, healthiest and most productive in full sun. Elderberry is an incredibly hardy, resilient plant that can thrive just about anywhere but it does appreciate having protection from strong winds as its stems can be somewhat fragile, especially when laden with lots of fruits.
Plant in Groups:
Most all elderberries require the presence of a second cultivar (name) or seedling elderberry in order to produce fruit. There are a few cultivars that are considered “self” or “partially-self” fertile but even those will benefit highly from having a pollinator nearby. The number of plants you need will be completely dependent on your space and desired use for your plants but we recommend a minimum of two, each with a different name. The exact spacing will depend on the cultivars you have but you can generally expect 6-10 feet between plants, with about 12 feet between rows.
Provide Adequate Water and Mulch:
Elderberries like to have consistently moist but not soaking soil, especially their first year of establishing. They also benefit highly by being kept well mulched every season to help retain moisture and supress weeds. They do not require much more than receiving a low-dose of nitrogen fertilizer once a season, early in the Spring. (Much more than that and they will become beautiful behemoths but with very little fruit.) It is best practice to also make sure all flower heads are pinched off the first year they are planted to help them establish better long-term. It has been said of elders, “If you take care of elders their first year, they’ll take care of you their second year!”
Elderberries Grow Great Here!
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