Home Fruit Plantings: Elderberry Variety Selection

Since elderberries are only partially self-fruitful, plant at least two different varieties no more than 60 feet apart.

Varieties

Adams #1 and Adams #2

The oldest varieties, which are vigorous and productive, with large fruit clusters and berries. They ripen in early September.

Johns

Also very vigorous, producing 10-foot canes on fertile soils. It ripens about 10 days earlier than the Adams varieties.

Scotia

Yields berries with a higher sugar content than other varieties, although the bushes are somewhat smaller.

Nova

Has larger, sweeter berries than the Adams varieties. It also lacks the astringency of some varieties.

York

Productive and matures relatively late. Plants are large and vigorous.