Plant Propagation - Elderberry from Hardwood Cuttings

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) is a popular shrub or small tree that is prized for its edible berries and attractive flowers. It is native to much of Europe, Asia, and North America, and it has a long history of use in traditional medicine and cooking. If you would like to grow your own elderberry plants, one option is to propagate them from hardwood cuttings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it outdoors in real soil without using rooting hormone: Collect cuttings: The best time to take hardwood cuttings from elderberry plants is in the winter, when the plant is dormant. Look for healthy, mature stems that are about the thickness of a pencil. Cuttings should be about 6-12 inches long, with the lower leaves removed and the upper leaves trimmed back to about half their size. Choose a location: Select a sunny location with well-draining soil for your elderberry cuttings. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. Plant the cuttings: Make a hole in the soil with a pencil or similar object, and place the cutting into the hole so that the lower end is fully buried. Gently firm the soil around the cutting to hold it in place. Repeat the process with the remaining cuttings, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Water the cuttings: Water the cuttings well after planting, and continue to water them regularly as needed to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Protect the cuttings: If the weather is very dry or windy, you may need to provide some extra protection for the cuttings. Cover them with a layer of mulch, or build a simple shelter out of sticks and a piece of burlap or other fabric. Wait for rooting: It can take several months for elderberry cuttings to root, so be patient. Check the cuttings every few weeks to make sure they are still moist and to look for signs of new growth. When the cuttings have developed a good root system, they can be transplanted into pots or the ground. Transplant and care for the new plants: When the cuttings have rooted and are ready to be transplanted, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the cutting, and gently remove the cutting from the soil. Place it in the hole and fill in around it with soil, gently firming it down to secure the cutting in place. Water the newly transplanted cutting well, and continue to water it regularly as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy. It is possible to grow elderberry plants from hardwood cuttings without using rooting hormone, although the success rate may be lower. With proper care, your elderberry cuttings should thrive and produce delicious berries for years to come. Enjoy!