How to Grow Black Elderberry
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is also known as common elder, American black elderberry and common elderberry. It is a perennial shrub grown primarily for its small black fruit that is high in Vitamin C. The shrub is adored by birds and people alike. It is used to make pies, jams, jellies, wines and juices. It is a productive, easy-to-grow plant and is also useful for stabilizing stream banks and eroding sites, according to the USDA. The tree provides food, cover, perching and nesting for birds and is an important browse for mule deer and elk. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant elderberries in early spring.
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Prepare the site prior to planting. Dig in a few inches of manure or compost, especially in poor soils, and take the time to eradicate perennial weeds. Elderberry roots are shallow and you want to cultivate as little as possible to control weeds after the plants are in the ground.
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Prevent pots from drying out prior to planting. Keep the soil evenly moist if you can’t plant them right away.
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Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart.
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Dig a hole as deep as the nursery container.
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Put the plant in the hole and begin to replace the backfill, watering it in as you go (to eliminate air pockets and ensure that the soil is well-packed around the roots).
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Lay straw, sawdust or aged compost on top of the soil as mulch. This will help control weeds. Pull weeds whenever you see them.
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Encourage vigorous growth the first two years and avoid pruning. Begin pruning in the plant’s third year to remove all dead canes. If you can keep track of them, three-year-old canes can and should be removed to encourage plentiful fruit.
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Tips & Warnings
Cross-pollination increases fruit production, although all are considered partially self-fruitful. Plant more than one variety if possible.
A hedgerow of vigorous elderberry plants will help control weeds.
Expect 12 to 15 pounds of fruit per plant in three to four years.
Birds are going to relish these fruits. If you notice that the birds are harming the bushes in any way, cover them with netting until the fruit has been harvested. Otherwise, enjoy the many songbirds that will flock to your yard.
Elderberry blossoms can be deep-fried.
Do not confuse black elderberry with scarlet elder (Sambuca pubens). All parts of scarlet elder are poisonous.
References
- Photo Credit elderberries image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
