Elderberry Planting Guide
Elderberry Planting Guide
Pick the Right Spot. Elderberries need a place where they get at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, afternoon shade is also preferred. These are not house plants and should be planted outside.
Check the Soil. Elderberries need soil that is a bit damp but not soggy. Test the soil: If water puddles and doesn’t soak in, it’s too wet. If the soil cracks, it’s too dry.
Plant at the Right Time. The best time to plant Bare Root plants is in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler. Potted plants can be planted any time from early Spring to Fall. If planting in the summer, plant in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
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If Planting in The Ground
Dig and Plant. Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide and just as deep as the roots. Place the plant in the hole and cover them with soil. Mix in no more than 20% organic matter or compost. If your soil has poor drainage, mix in up to 20% stone grit (3/8- Pumice, fine crushed gravel, very coarse sand, 1/4 decomposed granite or very fine pea gravel). Gently pat the soil down. Do not amend your garden soil with Big Box or Chain Store potting mixes meant for vegetables, annual flowers or house plants or you will kill your plants with root rot. Even the name brand potting mixes advertised on TV will kill your plants, they are not designed for any plant, shrub, or tree that is not an annual.
Fertilize. Any balanced fertilizer will work if growing in the ground. You can be organic or chemical. Just watch the total amount of N P K so that it is balanced. Reapply fertilizer early each spring to provide nutrients during the growing season.
If Planting in a Container or Raised Bed, Don't Kill Your Plants with the Wrong Potting Soil or Fertilizer!
When planting in containers or raised bed, it is very important to have the right potting soil and fertilizer, or it will kill your plants. Unless you are experienced with growing perennial plants and trees in containers, there are many things that can cause you to fail. Growing in the ground in good native garden soil is more forgiving.
Potting soil needs to have very good drainage. 25-30% stone grit (3/8- Pumice, fine crushed gravel, very coarse sand, 1/4 decomposed granite or very fine pea gravel). Then mix in 30% 3/8- fine bark, 15-20% peat, 10% perlite and no more than 10% garden soil or compost. Do not use Big Box or Chain Store potting mixes meant for vegetables, annual flowers or house plants or you will kill your plants with root rot. Even the name brand potting mixes advertised on TV will kill your plants, they are not designed for any plant, shrub, or tree that is not an annual. Do not use any mix that has Moisture Control or water gel.
If In a Container. Fertilizer needs to be low salt. Organic fertilizers like fish, alfalfa, bat guano, kelp, bone meal and rock phosphate are OK, just keep the nutrients balanced, and watch the nutrient level so you do not add too much or too little. Do not use "hot organics” like blood meal or fresh chicken manure under 1 year aged. Chemical fertilizers should say on the label "for container growing". Do not use 10/10/10 or 16/16/16 and similar fertilizers as they are high salt and will burn your plants. Reapply fertilizer early each spring to provide nutrients during the growing season.
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Give Them Space. Elderberry plants can grow large. Make sure to plant them 6–8 feet apart so they have room to spread. Planting closer than this can cause competition between the plants and roots. Prune as needed to promote branching. Prune old branches in winter to keep them healthy and to promote branching.
Water Well. After planting, water the plants in well. Elderberries love moist soil, so water them regularly, especially in the first year. Do not let plants dry out.
Add Mulch. Put a layer of mulch (wood chips, straw, or bark chips) around the base of the plant. This keeps the soil moist and stops weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to avoid rot.
Keep an eye out for bugs like aphids and sugar ants. If you see them, spray with soapy water to keep your plants safe.
Fruit. Elderberries often don’t give fruit the first year. You’ll see berries in the second year, so don’t worry—it’s normal! Harvest the berries when they turn deep purple (late summer or early fall). Do not eat raw berries—they are toxic raw and can upset your stomach. Cook them to make syrups, jams, or pies! Do not eat stems or leaves, even if cooked.