How to Root Black Elderberry Cuttings

Black Elderberries

Elderberry - one of the fastest growing plants is also very quick to form roots on simple hardwood or softwood cuttings. If you have access to healthy black elderberry plants, you should be able to take a few cuttings (with permission, of course) and within just two years, be harvesting your own black elderberries. 

If you take your own cuttings, cut a six to eight inch section of woody stem and make sure to include at least one leaf node at the top, and one or two others lower down if possible. Place the fresh cuttings directly in water as soon as possible

So, given that you now have some black elderberry cuttings in your hand - what next?

Step 1: Identify the correct orientation of the cutting.

Carefully inspect each cutting to determine which end is the top and which is the bottom. Proper orientation is essential, as a cutting placed upside down will not absorb water and will quickly dry out.

Step 2: Use visual cues to confirm orientation.
If leaves are still attached, the top of the cutting will be obvious. If not, examine the leaf nodes along the stem. Each node is wider on the upper side and tapers downward toward the stem. The wider side should always face upward.

Step 3: Mark the bottom of the cutting.

When removing cuttings from the parent plant, make a slanted cut at the bottom end. This angled cut helps you quickly identify the correct orientation later and improves consistency when planting or placing cuttings in water.

Roots forming at the lower leaf node

If you still have a couple of months before winter, place the cuttings in a suitably sized container so that they are more than halfway submerged in water. Set the container in a sunny window and change the water every few days.

Within one to two weeks, you should notice small bumps forming at the base of the cutting. These are the beginnings of roots, which will grow a little more each day. Once you see roots stretching out, it’s time to plant the cuttings—either in their permanent location or into plant pots. Be very gentle when planting to avoid disturbing the new roots, then water well.

Plant elderberries in full sun for the best fruit production. Although they tolerate poor conditions, they perform best in loamy soil with plenty of sunlight and regular water. Keep in mind that elderberries go dormant in winter and burst back to life in early spring.

The first year may seem unimpressive, as the plant focuses on establishing a strong root system and typically sends up only two or three stems. By the second year, however, growth becomes dramatic. Plants can reach over ten feet tall and produce six to twelve arching branches, each bearing large umbels of beautiful black elderberries.

If you don't have cuttings, you can check out my Etsy site, Wildflower Run.

https://wildflowerrun.etsy.com

American Black Elderberry Flowers