Blue Elderberry - Sambucus Nigra spp. Cerulea - Tasty, Medicinal, and Perennial
Quantity: 10 Seeds
Blue Elderberry is a shrub in the Honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. It is native to Western North America, and produces edible, delicious, and Medicinal fruits. By late summer, the plants are laden with an abundance of large fruit clusters. The fruits taste similar to European Black Elderberries; however, the berries are larger, and contain fewer anthocyanins than other Elderberry varieties, so is easiest and safest to consume in large quantities. The fruits easily detach from the stems when rubbed between the fingers, so processing is easier than other varieties too. As well as being edible and choice, these fruits are well known for their medicinal value. The berries contain compounds that boost the body's immune system, and this medicine is usually consumed in the form of a syrup made from the berry juice and honey. It's the most delicious tonic you'll ever taste. This is a very underrated, delicious, and versatile fruit, and it makes an excellent addition to the garden or landscape.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
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Growing Instructions
For best results, start Blue Elderberry seeds outdoors either directly or in pots about 1-2 weeks before the first frost; we start them here on the farm in mid October. The soil should be made moist, but not damp. Sow the seeds 1/8 inch below the soil surface. If the winter was cold enough, sprouts will emerge from the soil come next spring. Once germinated, and the first true leaf has formed, it's time to pot up to a larger container that contains a good quality potting soil if planted in a pot. If sown indoors, it is important to cold stratify the seeds for 12 weeks before sowing for best germination results. Some even say that the seeds germinate best once stratified for another 12 weeks after being at room temperature for a month after the first stratification. I have never found this to be necessary, but these seeds are a bit finicky to germinate. it is important to maintain optimal conditions throughout every step to ensure the best results. Transplant to their final location when the nighttime temperatures are consistently 6°C or higher; for us at the farm, this is around early April.