Elderberry Growing Tips


Keep elderberry cuttings in the fridge until planting time. Ensure they don’t dry out by keeping the bag sealed. Check on them, there should be some condensation inside the bag. You can add a drop or two of water, if needed.

Looking for cuttings? Purchase here → 

LONGEVITY OF ELDERBERRY CUTTINGS IN THE FRIDGE: Cuttings can be stored in a fridge until planting time in the spring. Please ensure they don’t dry out. Fridge temperature should be 1C for best results, but regular fridge temperature is okay. 

PLANTING TIME: Best time to plant elderberry cuttings is first thing in spring as soon as the ground can be worked. This means when the snow has melted and the ground has thawed. Frost is fine. Be sure the soil does not freeze at night. Avoid planting after mid-May to June, as it gets too warm and your success reduces. 

STEPS FOR STARTING ELDERBERRY CUTTINGS:

    1. Plant in well-drained soil first thing in the spring.

    2. Place the "angled cut side" down into the soil with bottom node buried about 3 inches below the soil. The top node should stick out above soil, as this is where the green shoots will grow from. Rooting hormone is not necessary.

    3. Keep the soil sufficiently moist.

    4. If starting in a pot, place outside, in a greenhouse or near a window. Best results occur when the soil is warmer than the air, if possible. Place one cutting per pot for best results.

    5. While roots grow in the soil, green shoots will come from the top node above ground.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STARTING IN A POT VERSUS THE GROUND:

    • POT: It may be easier to keep an eye on new cuttings started in a pot. However, you may have to water more frequently. 
    • GROUND: Starting cuttings directly in the ground means they can grow roots in their permanent location. Place the cuttings in a well-weeded location, and be sure to water them in. During this first year of growth it is important to keep them watered, especially during drought and heat waves. 
    • GROUND & POT: You can also start the cuttings in pots and then plant them into their permanent location after they grow some roots in about 4 to 8 weeks. Be sure to weed the area well prior to transplanting. 

 

Elderberry cuttings