American Black Elderberry

What you'll need:

American Black Elderberry seeds or young plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A large pot or a space in your garden (this plant grows into a bush, so give it plenty of room!)

Rich, well-draining soil (if your soil feels too heavy, mix in some compost or sand to improve drainage)

Mulch (to help keep the soil moist and prevent weeds)

When to start:

Elderberries love cool weather but can handle different climates. The best time to plant them is early spring, right after the last frost, or in fall before the ground freezes. They’re pretty hardy, so they’ll adapt as long as you avoid extreme heat.

Finding a good spot:

American Black Elderberries prefer part shade to full sun. They’ll do well with about 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. If you’re planting more than one, leave about 6-10 feet between each plant since they can grow quite wide over time.

They also like water, so pick a location where moisture doesn’t drain away too quickly—just don’t let them sit in soggy soil for too long.

If you have seeds:

1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting (this helps speed up germination).
2. Plant the seeds in small pots filled with moist soil, about ½ inch deep.
3. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pots in a cool spot (about 50°F/10°C) for a few weeks. This mimics winter conditions that elderberries need to sprout.
4. After this chilling period, move the pots to a warmer area with indirect sunlight.
5. Once the seedlings are about 6 inches tall, they’re ready to be transplanted outside.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole that’s twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Fill in the hole with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.
5. Spread a layer of mulch around the base of the plant (but not touching the stem) to keep the soil moist and protect the roots.

Planting tips:

• Elderberries are social plants! They produce more fruit when planted near other elderberry bushes, so consider planting at least two for better pollination.
• Don’t forget to give them enough space to grow—they can reach up to 12 feet wide!

Watering:

• Elderberries like consistent moisture, especially during their first year of growth. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on how dry the soil feels.
• Check the soil regularly—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water again.
• Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged, though; elderberries don’t like sitting in soggy conditions.

Feeding time:

• Fertilize your elderberry bush once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
• Be careful not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen will encourage leaf growth instead of flowers and berries.

Pruning:

• In late winter or early spring, prune older, woody stems to encourage new growth. This will help your elderberry bush stay healthy and productive.
• Remove any dead or damaged branches throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking tidy and strong.

Pest & Disease Watch:

• Elderberries are usually pretty resilient, but watch out for pests like aphids or birds who might snack on the berries.
• To deter birds, you can use netting over the bushes when the berries start to ripen.
• If you notice any yellowing leaves or spots, it could be a sign of too much water or fungal issues—adjust watering accordingly and make sure there’s good air circulation around the plant.

When to pick your elderberries:

• You’ll know the berries are ready to harvest when they turn a deep purple-black color, usually in late summer or early fall.
• The clusters of berries will feel soft and plump when fully ripe.
• Make sure to harvest the entire cluster rather than picking individual berries—it’s easier and faster!

How to pick:

• Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the berry clusters from the bush.
• Be gentle with the clusters, as the berries are delicate and can easily get squished.
• Harvesting is best done on a dry day—wet berries can spoil more quickly.

After harvesting:

• Don’t eat the berries raw! They need to be cooked to remove any potentially harmful compounds. You can make jams, syrups, pies, or even elderberry wine.
• Store fresh elderberries in the fridge for a few days, or freeze them for longer storage.
• If you want to save seeds for next year, separate them from the pulp after cooking.

Q: Can I grow elderberries in containers?

A: Yes, but only if you choose a large container (at least 20 gallons). Elderberries grow into large bushes, so they’ll eventually outgrow smaller pots. Make sure the container has good drainage and keep an eye on watering, as potted plants dry out faster.

Q: Why aren’t my elderberry bushes producing many berries?

A: Elderberries need cross-pollination to produce lots of fruit. If you only have one plant, try adding another nearby. Also, make sure they’re getting enough sunlight—at least 4-6 hours per day.

Q: Are all parts of the elderberry plant safe to use?

A: No, only the ripe berries are safe to eat—and even then, they must be cooked first. The leaves, stems, roots, and unripe berries contain compounds that can be harmful if consumed raw.

Q: How do I stop birds from eating all my elderberries?

A: Birds love elderberries! The easiest way to protect your harvest is by covering the bushes with bird netting once the berries start to ripen. Just make sure the netting is secure so birds can’t sneak underneath.

Q: My elderberry bush looks leggy. What should I do?

A: Prune it! Elderberries can get a bit wild, so regular pruning helps maintain a nice shape. Cut back older, thicker stems in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and keep the bush from becoming too sparse.