In 2021 I installed my first production-quantity planting of elderberries, including 5 commercially available cultivars. I am also trialing a limited number of 5 selections made by Mike Breckel of Westby, WI, who has been growing and studying elderberries for about 2 decades. The possibility exists that his selections – made from wild Wisconsin populations – might be better adapted to my Midwest conditions than commercial cultivars selected in Missouri or New York.

A couple of planting systems were used. Some were planted with biodegradable paper mulch, consistent with my intent to transition this planting to certified organic. Other were planted with plastic landscape fabric which will be removed before the winter to adhere to organic specifications. All were topped off with wood chips and a mixture of sheep manure and bedding (wood shavings and straw). Protection from deer browsing was provided with chicken-wire cages secured with 2 bent rebar pieces. The majority component is a cultivar named ‘Ranch’ which inhabits two 75 foot rows. Most of the rows are spaced 10 foot apart but the two ‘Ranch’ rows are 12 feet. Spacing within rows is 3 foot.

Since some of the plants are flowering as first year rooted cuttings, I anticipate a substantial harvest in 2022 and a full “mature” harvest in 2023. Elderberries are water demanding and my sister and I watered the planting every other day for 2 weeks with a 65 gallon carboy on a pallet on the forks of my tractor. I’m hoping the watering will be required for establishment period only!

My plan is to market them as frozen berries, canned juice, and, possibly, freeze dried berries. I have been tuning in to activities of the Midwest Elderberry Cooperative and hope a node of producers can be developed in this area (se MN, sw WI, and ne IA) that can join forces for marketing, processing, and controlled environment storage.