Elderberry Plant Collection Elderberry Plants
Elderberry Plant Collection Elderberry Plants
New! Grow your own elderberries.
An ancient "super fruit" celebrated for its health benefits; elderberries are rich in flavonoids (anthocyanins) that give the berries their characteristic deep purple hue and contribute to their high antioxidant content. Both flowers and berries are used for baking and making wine, syrups, jellies, vinegar, candy, sauces, tinctures, supplements, teas, and even dyes. Fruits late summer the second year after planting. Includes 5 plants, plus 1 pollinator plant for optimal performance. Ht. 5–6'. Grows best in Zones 3–7.
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This perishable item ships weekly from mid February through late June, starting in the South. Add item to cart and enter your shipping zip code to select from a list of available ship dates for your plant hardiness zone. If you wish to choose a ship date earlier than the recommended dates you must place your order by phone (1-877-564-6697). Physical address required for delivery (no PO Boxes).
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Sambucus nigraCULTURE:
Elderberries perform best in full sun and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Raised beds are an option if your site is poorly drained. Elderberries prefer soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.PLANTING:
Adequate spacing is important for best yields. Beds should be approximately 2' wide and 10–12' apart. Space plants 3–6' apart in the row. Transplant plugs deeply enough to cover plug soil with 1/2–1" garden soil. Irrigate well after transplanting and maintain good moisture levels. Elderberries will not tolerate drought conditions. Proper soil moisture is essential during the establishment-year and drip irrigation is the best method. After establishment, from flowering through harvest, plants should receive a minimum of 1" of water per week for optimal fruit production. Mulch plants with a 2–3" layer of straw or wood chips to aid in moisture retention, discourage weed growth, and contribute more organic matter to the soil. To avoid damaging the fibrous, shallow root system, do not cultivate deeply.POLLINATION:
While self-fertile, elderberries benefit greatly from the cross-pollination of another variety. This will substantially increase yields. We recommend 1 pollinator plant for every 5 plants for optimal production. Note: our Elderberry Plant Collection includes a pollinator.FERTILITY:
Elderberries do not require fertilizer during the establishment year as they derive many of the nutrients they require from existing organic matter in the soil. In subsequent years, fertilize at the beginning of the season with a 10-10-10 fertilizer (or equivalent) or compost.PRUNING:
Elderberries are a very fast-growing, shrub-type plant with a "suckering" plant habit. Plants can quickly become unruly without regular pruning. Pruning can be approached in a few ways. Most commonly, remove dead or weak stems annually in the late winter/early spring (February to March) when plants are still dormant. Another effective pruning method is to trim stems back by about 1/3rd, essentially "topping" the plant uniformly all over. Lastly, if plants become unmanageable, cut all stems to the ground to completely rejuvenate. This method will not harm well-established plants.HARVEST:
Elderberries will bear a harvestable crop beginning in their 2nd year. In late summer, harvest whole clusters of berries by clipping them from the shrub. Use the fruit as soon as possible or refrigerate for later use. Strip the berries from the cluster stems before processing.CAUTION:
Berries are toxic if eaten raw. They must be cooked prior to consumption. Elderberry fruits, leaves, stems, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides which can make people and livestock very ill if consumed raw. Elderberry flowers, however, are non-toxic and can be harvested and are commonly used.PESTS & DISEASE: Elderberry plants are generally free of disease and insect pests. Use bird netting to protect fruit. SPECS: Approx. 25 plants/100' row, or approx. 850 plants/acre at 5' spacing, rows 10' apart.Johnny's is committed to your success, every step of the way.
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