Sambucus nigra ELDERBERRY (20 seeds)

Elderberry, also known as Black Elder (Sambucus nigra), is a hardy, fast-growing deciduous shrub belonging to the Adoxaceae family. Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, it typically grows along forest edges and reaches a height of 3 to 4 meters.

Its flowering is characterized by small white flowers grouped in large, fragrant umbels. This occurs in early June, attracting bees and butterflies.

The fruits are small, round, dark berries rich in antioxidants. They are edible and have a sweet yet tart flavor.

Black Elder seeds are elongated, brownish-yellow, slightly rough, and measure about 4 millimeters in length.

The foliage consists of serrated, oval, dark green leaves arranged in opposite clusters on slender stems, adding a fresh touch to any garden.

- Uses:

Elderberries are used to make jams, syrups, jellies, and alcoholic beverages such as wine or liqueur. The edible flowers can be used for sorbets, infusions, or even fritters. Elderberry is also valued in cosmetics for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.

In organic gardening, elderberry leaf tea (slurry) is useful for fighting mildew and aphids. This plant-based preparation also has the power to repel rodents (mice, field mice, and voles). To make it, macerate 1 kg of leaves in 10 liters of water for a few days, then spray it on your plants.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow elderberry is from November to February.
• Stratify the seeds naturally by sowing in autumn, or artificially by placing them in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Sow them in a small tray of fine potting soil.
• Cover with only 1 to 2 millimeters of soil.
• Water gently with a hand sprayer.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse at a temperature between 20 and 25°C.
• Germination occurs within 2 to 3 weeks following stratification and sowing.

- Soil type / Substrate:

Black Elder grows in all types of soil. It is an undemanding plant that simply requires good drainage.

- Exposure / Light:

Sambucus nigra thrives very well in partial shade.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

This shrub is very hardy and easily withstands extreme negative temperatures. It is cultivated in USDA zones 2–10, surviving temperatures as low as -30°C.

- Watering / Irrigation:

The elderberry needs regular watering in summer if the soil becomes too dry. Using a good mulch is highly recommended for this type of plant.

- Multiplication:

Sowing seeds is the easiest method to reproduce it in quantity. It is also easy to propagate via cuttings.

- Pests / Diseases:

Common pests include aphids, scale insects, and thrips. Possible diseases include rust and occasionally mildew. Overall, it is a robust plant with few health issues.