Johns Elderberry

Add a reliable and nutritious superfood to your landscape with the Johns Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis ‘Johns’), a vigorous American elderberry variety prized for its beautiful fall foliage, large berry clusters, and dependable late season harvests. Selected for its consistent production and ornamental appeal, Johns ripens later than Adams and is known for delivering a generous crop of richly colored berries that support both your garden’s beauty and your family’s wellness.

Why Choose Johns Elderberry?

• Beautiful Fall Foliage: Vibrant autumn colors make Johns an attractive ornamental shrub.
• Abundant Harvests: Produces large clusters of medium sized dark purple black berries ideal for juicing, syrups, fresh use, wines, and jams.
• August Ripening: A later season variety that offers a dependable harvest after Adams Elderberry.
• Cold Hardy and Adaptable: Thrives across Zones 3 through 9 with strong vigor and resilience.
• Fast Growing and Productive: Reaches eight to twelve feet tall and yields heavily year after year.
• Cross Pollination Required: Plant with another variety such as Adams or York for maximum fruit set.
• Excellent for Wildlife: Creamy white flowers attract pollinators and ripe berries feed birds and beneficial wildlife.

Medicinal and Nutritional Benefits

Johns elderberries are rich in antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, vitamin A, and immune supporting flavonoids. Traditionally used to promote respiratory wellness, seasonal health, and overall vitality, ripe American elderberries are prized in herbal traditions for their wellness benefits. The nutrient dense berries from Johns are perfect for syrups, tinctures, teas, and homemade remedies, offering both nutritional value and functional support.

Planting and Growing Instructions

1. Preparing the Cuttings: Place cuttings in water or moist soil immediately upon arrival. You may root them indoors or plant directly outdoors under suitable conditions.
2. Planting Time: Plant in early spring as soon as the ground thaws through mid spring.
3. Location: Choose full sun to partial shade for strong growth and fruit production.
4. Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
5. Spacing: Space plants 2 to 4 feet apart in rows spaced 10 to 14 feet apart for airflow and production.
6. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment. Once rooted, maintain regular watering during dry periods.
7. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak wood and encourage strong new first year canes where berries form.

Pro Tips for Success

• Cross Pollination Required: Plant Johns alongside Adams, York, or another American elderberry variety for optimal yields.
• Harvesting: Pick berries when they reach a rich, dark purple black color in August for peak flavor and quality.
• Wildlife and Beauty: Use Johns Elderberry in hedgerows, pollinator borders, or edible landscapes for both ornamental and ecological benefit.

All elderberry bundles include a minimum of three cuttings with two or more nodes each. Please see product photos for examples of bundle sizes.

Shipping Details: Sold as dormant cuttings in bundles, shipped fresh starting in February. STORE IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR UNTIL PLANTING.

Non-GMO Commitment: At Growing Farmers and The Farm on Central, all our plants are guaranteed non-gmo and not genetically modified in any way. We use only natural breeding methods to support sustainable gardening and farming.

Growing Method: Grown on our Coop farms using natural growing methods with no chemicals used.

Which Elderberry Should I Grow?

Elderberry Growing Instruction Guide

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