Elderberry Set (4 seed packets): Elderberries–European Black, American Black, Blue and Red
$14.90
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
In stock
Question
A.B. –
Hi Richo,
Which elderberry would grow best in zone 8b? I live in north Florida.
Thank you for your time.
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Richo Cech –
Hi A.B., I struggle with this because of course I would love to recommend my favorite, the european black elderberry. But the American black elderberry is more heat-tolerant and is really a better choice for you. It is good to a z 9, I see it growing throughout the US so it is highly adaptable, and there are companies and ma-and-pops using the berries for elderberry syrup etc and they swear by it. Richo
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Question
Lillie –
When do you expect to have this supply available?
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Richo Cech –
hi lillie, a fair question for sure. The stopper is actually european black elderberry seed, which has always been from our own production, and what with the intense heat this summer we had a low yield. I really think that won’t happen next year, as new trees on our high elevation farm will likely be quite productive next year. So in answer to your question, next year we’ll hopefully have the resources to package up the sets. Right now ALL these elderberry seeds are available singly, so if you find one or two that are less attractive to you, then you can still get by with the same price or lower, just buying, say, 3 packets, which I do think would also get you free shipping. Richo
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Question
Peiwen Lu –
When is good time to plant from seeds for Sambucus Canadensis, Sambucus Caerulea, and Sambucus Mexicana? Is there certain technique to ensure success of germination? We are at zone 9.
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Richo Cech –
Hello Peiwan,
The germination method for all the elderberry types is the same. The seeds are full of germination inhibitors and require cold stratification before germination is possible. Zone 9 is pretty warm for elderberry, but you can get by with planting it in a cool, moist and shady location. The directions for planting the seeds are on the individual monographs on the website and also printed on the seed packet. We’re out of Sambucus mexicana. Richo
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AP –
Hi I live in Central WA, zone 6b. What type grows best here?
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Richo Cech –
Any and all!
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Kate –
I live in N. California & want to plant rows of elderberries for medicine making- which ones should I buy, & how long to harvest for seeds vs plants? Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Kate, The easiest answer is Sambucus nigra European form. It is the most trusted in terms of medicine-making and does well in our area. It takes years before they size-up and really start producing. No time like now to start.
Richo
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