Red Elderberry Seeds - Heirloom Seeds, Sambucus Racemosa, Fruit Seeds, Open Pollinated, Non-GMO

Red Elderberry Heirloom Seeds – A Hardy, Fruit-Bearing Shrub for Wildlife & Home Use

The Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that provides year-round visual interest and ecological benefits. This heirloom variety produces fragrant white flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of bright red berries that serve as an important food source for birds and wildlife. With its ornamental foliage, long flowering period, and productive fruiting cycle, Red Elderberry is an excellent choice for edible landscapes, hedgerows, and wildlife gardens. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil with slightly acidic conditions.

Important Note: Red Elderberries should not be consumed raw due to their natural toxicity. The berries must be cooked, tinctured, or processed before consumption. They are commonly used to make elderberry juice, tea, jam, and even ice cream.

For more heirloom fruit seeds, explore our Fruit Seed Collection.

Why Choose Red Elderberry Heirloom Seeds?

• Attractive & Productive – Beautiful fragrant white flowers followed by vibrant red berry clusters.
• Bird & Pollinator Friendly – Provides nectar for bees and a nutritious food source for birds and wildlife.
• Versatile Culinary Uses – Ideal for making elderberry tea, jam, juice, and tinctures.
• Cold Hardy & Adaptable – Thrives in a variety of climates, including cool temperate regions.
• Excellent for Landscaping – Works as a decorative border shrub, hedgerow, or accent plant.
• Non-GMO & Open-Pollinated – Perfect for sustainable, organic gardening.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging – Resealable, biodegradable packets made from recycled materials.

Product Details

• Scientific Name: Sambucus racemosa
• Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub
• Flower Color: Creamy White
• Berry Color: Bright Red Clusters
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing
• Height: 7-12 feet at maturity
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Cold Hardy Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
• Package Quantity: 50+ Seeds

How to Grow Red Elderberry from Seeds

Best Time to Plant

• Fall Direct Sowing: Best for natural cold stratification.
• Indoor Starting: Seeds require 90 days of warm/moist stratification (68°F) followed by 90 days of cold/moist stratification (39°F) before planting.

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Soil Conditions: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-7.0).
• Spacing: Plant 5-8 feet apart to allow for mature growth.

How to Plant

• Direct Sowing in Fall: Sow ¼ inch deep in a prepared outdoor bed.
• Starting Indoors:
  • Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting.
  • Stratify in a warm, moist environment (68°F) for 90 days, followed by cold storage (39°F) for 90 days.
  • Sow in seed trays or small pots, covering with ¼ inch of rich potting soil.
  • Keep in a warm, sunny area or use grow lights.
  • Germination may take several months.

Watering & Maintenance

• Watering: Keep seedlings well-watered, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy.
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Weeding: Young plants should be kept weed-free for optimal growth.

Transplanting

• Transplant after the last frost when seedlings reach 7-12 inches tall.
• Space 5-8 feet apart to allow for full shrub development.

Benefits of Growing

1. A Beautiful & Functional Landscape Plant

• Adds visual interest with fragrant flowers, vibrant berries, and lush foliage.
• Works as a natural hedge, windbreak, or privacy screen.

2. Supports Pollinators & Wildlife

• Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and pollinators.
• Red berries serve as an important food source for birds.

3. Culinary & Herbal Uses

• Cooked berries can be made into elderberry tea, syrup, jam, and juice.
• Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins.

4. Cold Hardy & Low Maintenance

• Thrives in USDA Zones 3-7, tolerating cold winters.
• Drought-resistant once established.

5. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Gardening

• Non-GMO and open-pollinated, making it a great choice for organic gardens.
• Helps restore soil with deep root systems that improve drainage and aeration.

About Our Red Elderberry Heirloom Seeds

• Non-GMO & Open-Pollinated – Supports biodiversity and sustainable gardening.
• High Germination Rates – Regularly tested for strong seed viability.
• Eco-Conscious Packaging – Resealable, biodegradable packets reduce waste.
• Chemical-Free – No pesticides, fungicides, or synthetic treatments.

Explore Now

Red Elderberry seeds are a must-have for gardeners looking to add an ornamental, bird-friendly, and edible plant to their landscape. With delicate flowers, vibrant berries, and versatile culinary uses, this heirloom shrub is a perfect addition to any sustainable garden.

• Explore More Heirloom Fruit Seeds Here: Seed Nerds Fruit Seed Collection