🍇 Elderberry: Growing Guide
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at −25 to 32 °C (−13 to 90 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Space plants about 400 cm (157 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Sambucus nigra |
|---|---|
| Category | Bush Fruits |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 400 cm (157 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −25 to 32 °C (−13 to 90 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 300–600 cm (118–236 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Watering
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Growing tips
Elderflower cordial and syrup. Common in the countryside. Black berries and white flowers. Cook the berries before eating.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Elderberry: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jul. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Elderberry: how often should I water it?
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Elderberry: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 400 cm (157 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Elderberry: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Elderberry: which plants grow well with it?
Hazelnut tree.
Elderberry: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Elderberry to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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