FREE: Elderberry Seeds 15 (Sambucus nigra)

The listing, Elderberry Seeds 15 (Sambucus nigra) has ended.

Note: These are dried berries (2016) and the seeds have to be removed before planting. The seeds stay fresher if left intact before planting.

Soak berries overnight, smash and wash in a tea strainer, which will reveal the seeds. Sow these (now moist) seeds in outdoor conditions, in pots or flats, in the fall and expect germination in the spring. Alternatively, you may wish to remove the seeds from the fruits and then store the seeds in moist medium in a sealed plastic bag or jar in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for 90 days, then remove from fridge and sow in cool, moist shade. Outdoor conditions are preferred–do not try to grow indoors in a bright window, oscillating temperatures are required. Sow seeds in very rich and composty soil medium. Once germinated, the seedling grows very rapidly. Seedlings and adult trees are Nitrogen lovers–give chicken manure or copious amounts of compost for best results. Grow out in a shaded place in pots for a year before transplanting to final location. Flowers generally appear in year 3. Flowers turn rapidly into heavy clusters of fruits. Its probably a good idea to grow 3 trees for pollination purposes, although we have certainly seen good crops of fruit from a single tree grown in isolation. Elderberries are best placed as an understory to a higher tree canopy. Will also grow in full sun if the roots are kept cool and moist.