Elderberry Set (4 seed packets): Elderberries–European Black, American Black, Blue and Red

Family:  Honeysuckle  (Caprifoliaceae)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 10

Perennial, deciduous, multistemmed bushes to small trees. Traditional usage (TWM): syrup of berries used for treating the flu or common cold.   Red elderberries generally planted for the benefit of the wildlife, as the berries are less choice for human use.  Elder trees prefer rich, moist soil and grow best as an understory to taller trees.  Once established they are extremely tough, pretty drought-tolerant, and will withstand poor soils, sun and abuse.  Soak berries overnight, then smash them and remove the seeds.  You can smash them in a tea strainer and run under cold water to reveal the seeds.  Plant the seeds in moist, shady area–it is best to plant in flats or in gallon pots, as they take a long time to come up, and control is needed.  Seed  best planted in the fall to early spring for germination in the midspring (black elderberries) to germination in the summer (blue elderberry).   Plant in cool, moist, shaded pots.  If the ground has already warmed, put the seeds in moist sand or peat in a sealed container in the fridge, not the freezer, and refrigerate for 120 days, then sow in cool, moist shade.   Seedlings and adult trees are Nitrogen lovers–give chicken manure or spread compost around the roots for best results.  Space at least 15 feet apart.

Price shown is a discount.

4 full-sized seed packets, Open-pollinated, untreated, NO GMO’s