Please note: We grow our own European black elderberry and supply seeds from the current crop only.

Family:  Honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 7

(Black Elder, Elder Berry, European Black Elderberry) Perennial, deciduous, multistemmed shrub to small tree native to Europe.  Wild form.  The berries are large and tasty–best choice for herbal use.  European black elderberries are self-fertile.  Even so, growing three of them instead of just one is going to result in better genetic stability and an increase in fruit production.  They do not need a “pollinator” of a different type, that is a requirement that has come along with excessive selection of elderberry cultigens and does not apply to these open-pollinated wild form elderberries. Traditional usage (TWM): Colds, flu, immune enhancement.  Source of anthocyanins, bioflavonoids, vitamins and antioxidants, also a peculiar antiviral protein. The syrup, tincture or glycerite of these berries is traditionally used (TWM) for treating the common cold and for overall increase in immunity.  Cultivation: We are providing clean seeds from the new harvest.   Seed  best planted outdoors or in an unheated greenhouse or shadehouse soon after ripening (summer) to fall for germination the following spring.  Plant the seeds in moist, shady area–it is best to plant 1/2 inch deep in rich soil in flats or in gallon pots, as they take a long time to come up, and control is needed.   If outdoor treatment is not possible, give 70 days warm, moist conditions (70 degrees F), then refrigerate for 90 days, then plant in greenhouse or outdoor conditions.  If you soak the seeds before planting, do not be alarmed when the seeds float–floating elderberry seeds are viable!  Outdoor conditions are preferred–do not try to grow indoors in a bright window–oscillating temperatures are required. Sow seeds in very rich and composty soil medium–do not use sterilized medium–alive soils stimulate germination and mycorrhizal associations may begin early on.  Once germinated, the seedlings grow rapidly.  Seedlings and adult trees are Nitrogen lovers–give chicken manure or copious amounts of compost for best results. Grow out in a shaded place in pots for a year before transplanting to final location.   Flowers generally appear in year 3. Flowers turn rapidly into heavy clusters of fruits.  Its probably a good idea to grow 3 trees for pollination purposes, although we have certainly seen good crops of fruit from a single tree grown in isolation.  Elderberries are best placed as an understory to a higher tree canopy. Will also grow in full sun if the roots are kept cool and moist.  Space trees at least 15 feet apart.
Packet contains 30 seeds
1 gram contains ~290 seeds
5 g contains ~ 1,450 seeds
10 g contains ~ 2,900 seeds
certified organically grown