How to grow elderberries and elderflowers, organically!

elderberries & elderflowers, organically

Elderberries and elderflowers make delicious foods and drinks. They also contain potent immune-boosting, anti-viral compounds.

There are multiple species. We recommend growing varieties of Sambucas canadensis, aka “American black elderberry.”

These are native to the eastern half of N. America (Zones 5-8), and produce excellent, dark purple fruit.

Here’s how to grow your own American black elderberries and elderflowers...

Step 1: Plan for your elderberries

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Step 2: Choose elderberry seeds, cuttings, or bare root plants

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Step 3: Plant & maintain

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Step 4: Harvesting elderflowers & elderberries

Step 4a: Harvest flowers

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Elderflowers are both a beautiful seasonal addition to a dish, or make wonderful recipes on their own!

See elderflower recipes!

Step 4b: Harvest berries

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elderberries & elderflowers, organically

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how to grow

Elderberries and elderflowers make delicious foods and drinks. They also contain potent immune-boosting, anti-viral compounds.

www.tyrantfarms.com

There are multiple species. We recommend growing varieties of Sambucas canadensis, aka “American black elderberry.”

www.tyrantfarms.com

These are native to the eastern half of N. America (Zones 5-8), and produce excellent, dark purple fruit.

www.tyrantfarms.com

Here’s how to grow your own American black elderberries and elderflowers...

www.tyrantfarms.com

Step 1: Plan for your elderberries

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Step 1: Plan for your elderberries

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- Grow at least 2 varieties for ideal fruit set & size. - Spacing: no more than 50’ apart for best pollination. - Mature plant size: 10-12′ tall x 8-10’ wide. - Grow in full sun.

Step 2: Choose elderberry seeds, cuttings, or bare root plants

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Step 2: Choose elderberry seeds, cuttings, or bare root plants

www.tyrantfarms.com

- Recommended: buy named varieties. - Good varieties: Adams, Johns, Nova, and York (get two!)

Step 3: Plant & maintain

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Step 3: Plant & maintain

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- Amend soil with worm castings or compost - Top-dress soil with 2-3” mulch 1-2x per year - 1” water / week during warm months - Pruning is optional - Cut or dig out runners/suckers to prevent spread

Step 4: Harvesting elderflowers & elderberries

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Step 4a: Harvest flowers

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Step 4a: Harvest flowers

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Harvest flower heads from outer branches. Not too much or you won’t get berries!

Elderflowers are both a beautiful seasonal addition to a dish, or make wonderful recipes on their own!

www.tyrantfarms.com

Step 4b: Harvest berries

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Step 4b: Harvest berries

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In summer, harvest berries once they’re dark purple/black. Don’t use unripe or green elderberries.

Fresh elderberries don’t taste great. Cooked & sweetened, they’re amazing.

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A steam juicer makes it infinitely faster and easier to process elderberries into juice and syrup!

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Planning to grow elderberries in your yard? Interested in more info on how to harvest them? We've got you covered!

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Click the link below to read our comprehensive article!