Elderberry Seeds

Elderberry seeds grow into a fast-growing deciduous shrub with an upright to spreading growth habit, suitable for home gardens, landscape plantings, and naturalized areas. The plants are well adapted to temperate climates and tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including seasonal cold and moist soils. Elderberry shrubs perform best in full sun to partial shade and establish well in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Their vigorous growth and adaptable nature make them suitable for long-term garden and shrub border use.

Features

• Deciduous shrub with upright to spreading growth habit

• Suitable for home gardens and landscape plantings

• Adaptable to a range of temperate climate conditions

• Performs well in full sun to partial shade

• Establishes reliably with consistent moisture and suitable soil

Specifications

• Scientific name: Sambucus canadensis

• Common name (US): Elderberry

• Seed type / variety: American elderberry type

• Growth habit: Deciduous shrub

• USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

• Planting season: Fall or early spring

• Sowing season with specific months per zone:

  • Zones 3–4: Sow outdoors October–November or start indoors February–March

  • Zones 5–6: Sow outdoors October–December or start indoors January–February

  • Zones 7–9: Sow outdoors November–December or start indoors January

• Germination time and conditions: 30–60 days; cold stratification recommended

• Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil requirements: Fertile, well-drained to moderately moist soil

• Watering needs: Moderate; maintain evenly moist soil during establishment

• Mature plant size: 6–10 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide

• Plant spacing: 6–8 feet between plants