Growing Black Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) from Seed | A Beginner's Guide from O'Neill Seeds
Buy your Black Elderberry Seeds here!
If you're looking for a plant that's easy to grow, beautiful to look at, and has excellent health benefits, Black Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) is a great option. Most gardeners buy Elderberry plants, but growing them from seed is also an excellent way to start. Plus, it's a fun project that can be done with kids or as part of a seed exchange. In this blog post, we will discuss how to grow Black Elderberry from seed.
Step 1: Preparation
The first step to growing Elderberry from seed is to acquire the seeds. You can buy seeds here. Once you have the seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours. This process will soften the seed coat and increase the chances of germination. After 24 hours, remove the seeds from the water and dry them on a paper towel.
Step 2: Planting
The next step is to plant the dried seeds. Fill a tray or planting pot with good quality soil and make sure it is moist. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1 cm, and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water gently and cover the tray with a plastic lid or cling film. This will keep the humidity high which is necessary for seed germination.
Step 3: Germination
Elderberry seeds usually take two to three weeks to germinate. During this period, make sure to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Once you see seedlings, remove the plastic lid or cling film. Place the tray in a bright, sunny spot, but out of direct sunlight.
Step 4: Transplanting
In about three months, your seedlings should be big enough to transplant into individual pots or directly into the ground. Choose a site with well-draining soil and in a spot that gets six hours of sunlight each day. Elderberry plants are hardy, so they can tolerate some shade, but they prefer full sun. Make sure to water the plants regularly.
Step 5: Maintenance
Elderberry plants are low maintenance, but they will need some attention. Prune the plants in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. Elderberries also love nitrogen-rich soil, so you can fertilize them with compost or a nitrogen-based fertilizer.
Growing Black Elderberry from seed is a fun and rewarding project that's perfect for gardeners of all levels. With a successful germination rate, you can have a beautiful and healthy plant that's full of vibrant black berries. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll soon be enjoying Elderberry plants in your garden. Happy planting!