Elderberry Care Guide

Elderberries, known for their medicinal properties and culinary uses, are a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. These hardy plants thrive in a variety of conditions and offer a wealth of benefits, from boosting immune health to being a versatile fruit for jams, jellies, wines, and even skin care. Below is a comprehensive guide on growing, maintaining, and utilizing elderberries.

Overview of Elderberry

• Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra (European elderberry) and Sambucus canadensis (American elderberry).
• Growth Habit: Small tree or large shrub, typically 10–15 feet tall.
• Flowers: Clusters of creamy white or yellow-white, umbrella-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
• Fruit: Small, dark purple to black berries that ripen in late summer or early fall.
• Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9.

Planting Elderberries

1. Location:
• Elderberries thrive in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, plant them where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
• They are adaptable to many soil types, including moist, well-drained soils but prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
• Ensure adequate space for growth—elderberries can spread up to 6–8 feet wide.
2. Soil & Watering:
• Elderberries prefer moist soil and are particularly well-suited to areas with consistent moisture.
• Regular watering is essential, especially in dry periods, but avoid waterlogged soils.
3. Spacing:
• Space elderberry plants at least 6–8 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and to prevent overcrowding.

Pruning Elderberries

Pruning is crucial for healthy growth and fruit production.

1. Best Time to Prune:
• Prune elderberries in early spring before new growth begins.
2. Pruning Steps:
• Remove old or dead canes and any diseased or damaged wood.
• Keep the most vigorous canes—ideally 5–6 one-year-old canes and 1–2 two-year-old canes.
• Thin out older canes and trim the tips of lateral branches about 6 inches to encourage new growth and improve air circulation.
• Keep the canes grouped within a 2-foot circle to facilitate healthy growth.

Pruning benefits: If you want to net your berries to protect them from birds, year round pruning helps keep your plants easy to cover. Commercial growers in the midwest cut back the previous season’s growth to the ground, especially with the Bob Gordon variety. Growers have found that this method ensures that bloom time and ripening time are more uniform, so harvesting is more cost effective. 

Pest Management

Elderberries are relatively pest-resistant, but certain pests, such as the Elder Shoot Borer (also known as Spindle Worm), can cause problems.

1. Elder Shoot Borer (Achatodes zeae):
• The larvae of this pest bore into stems and shoots, feeding on the plant's vascular tissue.
• Symptoms: Tiny holes in canes and piles of sawdust-like frass at the base of affected canes.
2. Control:
• Prune out affected canes during the winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Remove and destroy all pruned canes with frass or signs of damage to prevent reinfestation.
• Keep the area around the plant clear of dead wood to discourage pupation.
3. General Pest Control:
• Elderberries are generally pest-free, but occasional aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies may infest the plants. If necessary, use organic insecticides or neem oil to manage these pests.

Harvesting Elderberries

1. Timing:
• Elderberries typically start bearing fruit when they are 2–3 years old.
• Wait until the berries are fully ripe, usually when they turn a deep purple or black color. 
• Birds love elderberries. To ensure a harvest, put insect netting (smaller weave than traditional bird netting) over the plant as soon as the green berries begin to turn purple.
2. Harvesting Tips:
• Use scissors or pruning shears to cut whole clusters of berries from the plant.
• Elderberries are often used for jams, jellies, syrups, wines, or medicinal tinctures.
• Caution: Never eat elderberries raw without cooking, as raw elderberries and other parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic. Always cook elderberries before consumption.
• It’s common for clusters of elderberries to ripen at different times over a 4-6 week period. We’ve found that a good method for harvesting is to freeze the whole clusters in a large bag, adding new clusters as you harvest them. Freezing makes the berries fall off easily when you’re ready to collect many of them for processing. 

Medicinal Uses

Elderberries have long been valued for their medicinal properties:

1. Immune System Support:
• Elderberries are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and bioflavonoids, which boost the immune system.
• Recent studies have shown that elderberry extract may help reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms by fighting the influenza virus.
2. Antiviral Properties:
• Elderberry has been shown to exhibit potent antiviral effects, making it effective against a range of respiratory infections.
• Elderberry syrup is a popular remedy for coughs, colds, and flu-like symptoms.
3. Skin Care:
• Historically, elderberries were used to treat skin ailments like burns, eczema, and rashes.
• The berries contain antioxidants and compounds that may promote healing and reduce inflammation.
4. Other Health Benefits:
• Elderberry also has diuretic (promoting urination) and sudorific (promoting sweating) properties, which can be beneficial for detoxification.

Varieties of Elderberry

While Sambucus nigra (European elderberry) is the most common variety, Sambucus canadensis (American elderberry) is also widely cultivated in North America. Both varieties have similar fruits, but European elderberries have a smaller growth habit. 

General Care and Tips

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of elderberry plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching may encourage elderberries to naturalize and spread.
• Fertilization: Elderberries benefit from a lower nitrogen fertilizer applied in early spring, but avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage excessive leafy growth and reduce fruit production.
• Winter Care: Elderberries are hardy in zones 3–9 and can withstand cold temperatures, but consider mulching heavily around the base in colder climates to protect the roots during winter. If canes show winter damage, remove the dead wood in Spring as new growth begins. New canes will take the place of the dead ones.
• Companion Planting: Elderberries are generally pest-resistant and can be planted near other crops like herbs, flowers, and vegetables without major issues.

Conclusion

Elderberries are easy-to-grow, versatile, and highly beneficial plants. With their impressive medicinal properties, vibrant flowers, and edible berries, they are a valuable addition to any garden. By following the care tips outlined here—proper planting, pruning, pest management, and harvesting—you can enjoy the health benefits of elderberries and produce a bountiful harvest for culinary or medicinal use.