I have no clue how many elderberry bushes we have. Our family just keeps planting more cuttings each year. It has to be over 100, maybe close to 200. I believe we have an elder addiction for many reasons. They’re easy to grow and they grow fast. The berries have a high level of anti-oxidants. Many people use elderberry juice as an immune system booster during cold and flu seasons. The flowers can be made into jelly, jam or fried in a bunch as a crunchy treat. My favorite uses for the ripe berries are making wine and elderberry peach jam.
I am finding that elderberries thrive in most areas on our farm. From full sun to part shade, the plants grow well and produce berries in mass quantities. They do prefer moist, fertile and well drained soil, but we have plants thriving in drier areas as well.
Most elderberry plants are hardy to USDA growing zones 3 to 8. We suggest planting at least two varieties for maximum berry production. Spring is the best time to plant.
August is when the farm’s berries are harvested. It’s time to start the job when they turn black or dark purple in color. This is an easy task that only requires clipping the clusters. The time consuming part is stripping the berries from the bunch. In the video we discuss our preferred methods for this job.
A few recommended sites on further planting details and online plant sales are below. We hope you try planting a few elderberry plants.
https://backyardberryplants.com
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/planting-elderberry.htm
https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/how-to-grow/berry-plants/elderberry-plants