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Elderberries wanted

debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
in Plants
Hi all I am  planning to grow some elderflower bushes this year on my allotment I have been told I need to cross pollinate them so do I need several of the same bush or should I add some Black Lace bushes to mix it up don't want to (aga) doooo the wrong thing? Advice please I really want berries fancy trying my hand at wine making! 

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    You'd be better off taking cuttings at this time of year

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/rooting-elderberry-cuttings.htm
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    if there are wild (green) elder about - as there are in most places - you should be fine.

    It would be kinder to avoid the ear worm references, please? That one will be with me for days now......
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    Sorry Raisin girl I couldn't resist I also have that in my head on repeat now. Thanks for advice I have ordered a couple of bushes of different types 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Yes, there's always lots of wild elder about, if things don't go to plan.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Elderberry wine is very good, but as the berries are high in tannin it takes a few years (3-4) for it to mature.  My last batch of elderberry and damson was in 1979! and we had the last bottle 3-4 yrs ago - it was a bit past it by then tbh.
    Another excellent wine is elderflower and gooseberry sparkling wine - one of the best I've ever made.
    But check the flowers first - mostly they smell good, but sometimes they smell a bit like cat-pee! I've no idea why. The bushes grow everywhere round here

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    Thanks RB once my bushes are planted I will look for a recipe
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Gooseberry and elderflower 'champagne' is really gorgeous.
    Elderberry, damson and plum 'port' too. I made some in 1979 and still have a couple of bottles left!

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • LauraRoslinLauraRoslin Posts: 496
    I've got an elder hedge in full flower at the moment.  Is it expensive to set up making the wine?
    I wish I was a glow worm
    A glow worm's never glum
    Cos how can you be grumpy
    When the sun shines out your bum!
  • LauraRoslinLauraRoslin Posts: 496
    Just googled and it seems not.  Just need a bucket and some bottles.
    I wish I was a glow worm
    A glow worm's never glum
    Cos how can you be grumpy
    When the sun shines out your bum!
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