The elderberry bush has many uses , with edible fruits and flowers that can be used for a variety of medicinal role and for dyes . Elderberry shrub can put up a all-embracing image of soil constitution , texture and acidulousness , do them easy to implant and grow . To naturalise and plant elderberry seeds , you necessitate advanced elderberries and a lot of patience during the foresightful sprouting summons .
Step 1
hoard elderberry fruit when they are fully advanced , in late August to early September . spread out the fruits to dry in a single level on a paper - towel - lined tray . Put the fruits in a fruit liquidiser and pick out the seed .
Step 2
Sow your elderberry seed directly into the ground in the spill . instead , you’re able to put the source through a cold - treatment ( or social stratification ) process during winter and then sow in them in the early spring . For the stratification process , simply localise the dried seeds in a plastic bag filled with a handful of slightly wash soil and store it in the icebox .
Step 3
Till the area where you plan to sow the elderberry come using a pitchfork or a rototiller . ensure the soil is moist and well - drained with an optimum pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . Amend your soil with manure or compost and use 1/8 lb . ammonium ion nitrate or 1/2 lb . of 10 - 10 - 10 plant food , prior to planting .
Step 4
Plant the elderberry seeds 1/4 column inch deep in the soil . Cover the seed seam with three - eighth of an in of sawdust mulch . attempt to maintain a seedling density of 35 plants per square foot .
Step 5
displume weeds by hand to avoid raise up the seedlings ' shallow source . After the seedlings sprout , for control gage you could apply a layer of organic mulch , 1 to 2 inches deep .
Tip
you’re able to hive away dry elderberry cum for several years . Place them in a jar or handbag in your refrigerator for best storage , at about 41 degrees Fahrenheit . When you are reap the elderberry fruit , be sure to take away the entire cluster of berries .
Warning
Whether you sow the elderberry seeds directly into the earth , cater a social stratification procedure prior to planting or baby the ejaculate in a greenhouse , the source will not pullulate completely until the 2d spring . wayward to popular belief , the elderberry bush does not prefer swampy or boggy area . In fact , the plant does not tolerate badly drained land .
