Blue Elderberry Propagations

Cultivars

• More than one plant is identified as blue elderberry. Sambucus cerulea is known as blue elderberry, blueberry elder, blue elder and Mexican elder. Sambucus nigra is also known as blue elder and blue elderberry. Blue elderberry plants grow without cultivation throughout the western United states, in both dry and wet soil conditions. Find existing elderberry plants to harvest your own seeds and cuttings, or purchase them from a garden store.

Planting Site

• Blue elderberry plants are relatively easy to grow and will thrive in alkaline or acidic soils. Plant the shrubs in a site with full sunlight if possible. Blue elderberry will flower and fruit even in partial sunlight. It should be planted in moist soil, and it will grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 11. Choose a good planting site for elderberry plants to get them off to a strong start.

Seed Propagation

• Blue elderberry seeds may be harvested from the fruits of the plant in fall. Seeds may be stored for many years if they are stored at 41 degrees Fahrenheit continuously. Before planting seeds in the soil in spring, store them at 70 to 85 F for 60 to 90 days. Then store the seeds at 41 degrees F again for 90 to 100 days. Once the seeds are ready, they may be planted in the garden. Blue elderberry plants started from seed have a higher survival rate than those planted from cuttings. To plant the seeds, place them directly on the surface of the soil. Cover the seeds with a half-inch layer of sawdust mulch. If planting conditions are favorable, the seeds will grow and become blue elderberry bushes.

Cuttings and Transplants

• Blue elderberry cuttings may be taken in winter or spring. Select a thin but healthy branch that is a year or two old. The cutting should measure approximately 6 inches long. Cuttings may be planted directly into the ground in spring. Small sucker plants may also be removed from existing elderberry bushes when they appear and transplanted directly into the garden.