How to Plant and Root Elderberry Cuttings

Introduction

Elderberry (Sambucus) is one of the easiest plants to propagate from cuttings. Whether you want to expand your elderberry patch or share plants with friends, growing from cuttings is economical and rewarding. With proper technique, expect 70-90% success rates.

Types of Cuttings

Hardwood Cuttings (Recommended for Beginners)

Taken during dormancy (late fall through early spring). Most reliable method.

Softwood Cuttings

Taken from new growth in late spring/early summer. Roots faster but requires more attention.

When to Take Cuttings

• Hardwood: November through March (while fully dormant)
• Softwood: May through June (from current season's growth)

Hardwood Cutting Method

Materials Needed:

• Sharp, clean pruners or loppers
• Rooting hormone (optional but helpful)
• Pots or nursery bed
• Well-draining potting mix or garden soil
• Mulch

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select Wood: Choose healthy, pencil-thick (1/4 to 1/2 inch diameter) one-year-old wood. Avoid thin, weak shoots or thick, old wood.
2. Cut Sections: Cut 8-12 inch sections. Make bottom cut at 45° angle just below a node. Make top cut straight, 1/2 inch above a node.
3. Mark Orientation: The angled cut helps you remember which end goes down.
4. Apply Rooting Hormone: Dip the angled (bottom) end in rooting hormone powder.
5. Plant Cuttings:
   • Option A - Direct in ground: Plant outdoors in well-draining soil, inserting 2/3 of the cutting into the ground. Space 6 inches apart.
   • Option B - In pots: Plant in deep pots filled with a 50/50 mix of potting soil and perlite.
6. Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around cuttings.
7. Water: Water well and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Timeline:

• Roots develop over winter and early spring
• Leaf buds will break in spring
• By fall, cuttings should have substantial root systems
• Transplant to permanent location the following spring

Softwood Cutting Method

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select Wood: Choose 4-6 inch tips from current season's growth. Stems should be flexible but snap when bent sharply.
2. Prepare Cuttings: Remove lower leaves, leaving only 2-3 sets of leaves at the top.
3. Apply Rooting Hormone: Dip cut end in rooting hormone.
4. Plant: Insert 2 inches deep in moist potting mix or perlite.
5. Cover: Place in a humid environment—cover with a plastic bag or use a humidity dome.
6. Maintain Humidity: Mist regularly. Keep out of direct sun but in bright indirect light.
7. Monitor: Roots typically form in 3-4 weeks. Gently tug to check for resistance.

Care After Rooting

• Gradually harden off rooted cuttings before transplanting.
• Keep newly rooted plants well-watered through first summer.
• Protect from extreme heat and direct afternoon sun.
• Transplant to permanent location in fall or following spring.

Planting Rooted Cuttings in Permanent Location

1. Site Selection: Full sun to part shade. Elderberries tolerate a wide range of conditions but prefer moist, fertile soil.
2. Spacing: Plant 6-10 feet apart for hedgerow or 10-12 feet for individual specimens.
3. Dig Hole: Twice as wide as root ball, same depth.
4. Plant: Set plant at same depth it was growing. Backfill with native soil.
5. Water: Water deeply and mulch with 3-4 inches of organic material.

Tips for Success

• Take more cuttings than you need—not all will root.
• Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease.
• Keep cuttings consistently moist but never waterlogged.
• Hardwood cuttings are more forgiving of neglect than softwood.
• Label varieties to keep track of different cultivars.

Best Elderberry Varieties for Propagation

• York: Large berries, vigorous grower, good for juice
• Adams: Heavy producer, good pollinator for other varieties
• Nova: Compact growth, large fruit clusters
• Ranch: High yields, good disease resistance

Remember: Always plant at least two different elderberry varieties for proper pollination and best fruit production!