At River Hills Harvest, we are committed to educating farmers...
Missouri is currently the top producing state of American elderberry, Sambucus canadensis. We want to expand the market for American elderberries and continue to grow more successful farms and healthier communities.
-
We host workshops and give presentations throughout the country ranging in subjects from elderberry growing, processing for food and product development.
-
We have just launched online classes that offer numerous resources for new and experienced growers. Visit www.GrowElderberries.com
-
We have a number of articles and links below that contain information for commercial and home growers.
-
We regularly attend, speak and give demonstrations at conferences across the country, such as Mother Earth News Fairs, Ozarks Homesteading Expos, MOSES (now Marbleseed) and more.
We aren't just there for commercial growers; we are also there to guide you on how to grow this medicine for your own family in your backyard.
.png)
The selections we grow here at River Hills Harvest have all at one point been selected from the wild here in the USA. Through growing these particular selections we have found them to have characteristics that we desire, such as ripening times, disease resistance, and more. Learn about the American elderberry selections we grow and how we sell them:
.png)
Another notable selection is Pocahontas, which is quickly gaining popularity. This selection is known to have the largest flower and berry heads, sometimes measuring up to 2 feet. In comparison to the other selections we grow, this is the largest plant and grows taller than 12 feet. It is fast to spread however it may need a longer warm growing season to fully be able to fruit.
As well, we have started growing Nova and York selections.
-
Can I propagate my own elderberries?Yes, from dormant hardwood cuttings. It is best to take cuttings from plants that are at least two years old. Cuttings should be six-to- eight inches long and contain two or more pairs of opposite buds. We take our cuttings in when they are dormant, around January. They can be sanitized and stored with moisture in the refrigerator until ready to plant, we use sphagnum moss. We have had the most success with cuttings that contain only two pairs of opposite buds, we cut around 2 inches above the top and 2 inches below the bottom bud sets. Bottom cuts are made at an angle.
-
How big will my elderberry bushes get? How long will they live?Elderberries will grow to be 10 feet tall in northern regions and as tall as 15 feet in southern regions of the United States. Longevity records for canadensis have not been kept long enough to know for certain, but the European elderberry plant can live 25 years. It is believed canadensis lifespan will be similar in length. Also see the slide show on this page to explore more specific information about the selections we grow.
-
How are elderberries reproduced?Elderberries can be grown from seeds, cuttings, suckers, or rhizomes, but the easiest plantings are established with dormant hardwood cuttings and will produce a crop in the second year. Plantings established from seed will take 3-4 years to produce a crop. Each year we will have a number of cuttings and bare root plants to sell on our shop page. Stock is limited and most of these are purchased as a pre-order, so keep your eye out.
-
When will Elderberry cuttings ship?Our Elderberry cuttings are prepared when dormant and we do not begin shipping until January. Our shipping window for cuttings runs through March. We recommend keeping them refrigerated until you are ready to plant.
-
What types of soil and locations are best for elderberry plantings?Elderberry prefers a heavy soil that is high in organic material, with an ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Plants prefer ample moisture and can thrive even under poor drainage conditions if planted in raised beds. Bottomland is ideal, but adequately irrigated uplands also sustain elderberries. The plants can sustain short periods of flooding. The plants can do well in transition zones between wetlands and upland areas. Production will be maximized in areas that receive full sun.
-
Where do Elderberries grow?Elderberry has the widest range of all small fruits in North America. It is known to grow from northern Quebec, Canada to South America. Elderberry is native to eastern North America. The American elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, typically grows in riparian areas as a bush. European elderberry, Sambucus nigra, typically grows as a small tree. Elderberries are successfully grown in almost every state in the US. We grow them commercially and they can also be grown in your backyard or garden.
-
When should I plant elderberries?Place cuttings in growing medium in late January or February to have roots and be ready to plant in spring. It is advised if you are planting non-rooted cuttings in the ground, to plant them in as cold of weather as you can. The cool weather keeps them from leafing out from the top buds and the cutting can focus on making roots from the bottom buds. Plants may be set in ground from early spring to June, but late plantings will have little growth the first year. A single cultivar will give good pollination for adequate production. Pollination usually occurs by wind while insects play a minor role. Browsing by deer can decrease production significantly. Birds and small animals are also attracted to the elderberry fruit. In Missouri, full flowering occurs in mid-June. Production will increase rapidly the first three years.
-
How can I edit my information for the Subscription Box?If you create a login on our website before signing up for the subscription box you will be able to adjust any shipping or billing information on your account. If you have already signed up for the subscription box you will need to email us directly regarding any changes that need to be made.
Documents, Tools & Downloads
Download our Planting Instructions
The University of Missouri's Elderberry Financial Decision Support Tool
Elderberry Research & Production
by Patrick Byers & Andrew Thomas
Growing & Marketing Elderberries in Missouri
by Patrick Byers, Andrew Thomas, Mihaela Cernusca, Larry Godsey & Michael Gold
Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe
Adapted from the University of MO Extension & University of KY Cooperative Extension Services
Elderberry Insect & Disease Management
Elderberry Rust Defoliating Plants
University of Missouri Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Department
Web Articles
Read about the 5.3 million Dollar Elderberry Research Grant
Learn more about the Advancing Elderberry Group
Elderflower Production and Cyanide Concern
by Andrew Thomas
The University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Articles
by Linda Geist
Plant Bugs Damaging Elderberries
University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management
by Andrew Thomas
From Folklore to Science, Cultivating Elderberry
by Mike Burden
by Linda Geist
A Different Kind of Specialty Crop
by Logan Jackson
From The Midwest Elderberry Cooperative Page:
by Christopher J Patton
by Katie Reneker
How to Sell a Growing Elderberry Harvest
by Christopher J Patton
Take Our Online Elderberry Classes
Learn Everything You Need to Know About Growing, Harvesting, Processing & Marketing American Elderberries
Learn to grow American Elderberries from Terry Durham - a successful Elderberry entrepreneur!
Terry Durham has been growing, teaching and sharing the joy of elderberries for over two decades. Terry is owner of River Hills Harvest, an elderberry brand which takes elderberries and turns them into a line of products. Through the River Hills Harvest brand Terry aggregates elderberries from growers across the Midwest. River Hills Harvest products are made from 100% Pure Premium Elderberry Juice. Terry supports local farmers and processors to grow the American elderberry industry. Terry is an educator and often speaks at Mother Earth News Fairs and many other conferences in the U.S.
