🌸 Elderflower: Growing Guide
Elderflower (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 | Edible Flowers |
| 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 | |||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–Apr.
- 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. Moderate watering.
Growing tips
Flowers for cordial, cakes and fizz. Vanilla-muscat scent. Season: June.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Elderflower: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Elderflower: how often should I water it?
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Moderate watering.
Elderflower: 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).
Elderflower: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Elderflower: which plants grow well with it?
Hazelnut tree.
Elderflower: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Elderflower 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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