How to Grow Elderberry

Updated June 2026

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Elderberry is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Elderberry is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the elderberry page for exact timing.

Varieties

Bob Gordon, Heavy-bearing American elderberry (nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 9.8 ft between plants.
Sowing: sow about 4 in deep.
Water: roughly 1.3 gal per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids and Elder shoot borer. In humid regions, Few can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Elderberry is usually ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant elderberry where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →