Ohio's Elderberry Harvesting Efforts

elderberries have been a staple in medicinal and landscape uses since ancient times, with a written record dating back to 400 BCE by Hippocrates (2021). Today, they're popping up as a fruit crop at universities like Missouri (Byers et al., 2012; Wilson et al., 2016), with their usage in wine, juice, jelly, and dietary supplements on the rise (Byers et al., 2012).

American elderberry (Sambucus nigra (subsp. canadensis)) and European elderberry (S. nigra) are the two main types, but the Midwest tends to favor American elderberries since they're more productive (2022). Oh, and just a heads up, focus on American elderberries first - the Europeans can wait their turn (2022).

Now, the flavor of elderberries is sorta sweet with a hint of tartness and a slight bitter aftertaste (no kidding). But don't worry about the toxic stuff, as long as you're dealing with ripe and processed elderberries, you'll be just fine (Appenteng et al., 2021). Think dark purple or almost black - that's when they're ripe (Appenteng et al., 2021). Don't wanna take any chances? Then avoid those unripe babies and make sure to cook up the ripe ones before downing them (Appenteng et al., 2021).

Growing elderberries requires a bit of planning. You'll want a site with full sun, good drainage, and the proper soil conditions (2016). You'll also need to space your plants appropriately - about 6 feet apart with 10 feet between rows (2016). During the first year, you should nip those flower cymes in the bud to encourage growth (2016). Light crops are expected in the second year, but by the third or fourth, you'll be swimming in elderberries (2016).

Propagating elderberries isn't just a walk in the park, but it's doable. Hardwood, softwood, and root cuttings are all valid options (2016). Just remember to collect the cuttings in February or March (2016) and use rooting hormone if you feel like it (it probably won't make much of a difference).

When it comes to fertilizing, do a soil analysis (obvious, right?) to understand the baseline fertility levels (2016). While we got the gist of what makes elderberries grow, nitrogen recommendations are still being developed (2016). Oh, and don't apply nitrogen at planting time – that's just plain stupid (2016).

Elderberries like a good hydration routine, so be prepared to water them with 1-2 inches of water per week (2016). Mulch can help conserve water, just make sure it's something like pine bark, wood chips, or straw (2016). Landscape fabric might not be your best friend here.

Prune elm trees by cutting them all the way down (2016). This'll encourage flowering and fruiting on the new wood, making harvesting a breeze (2016). But heed my words – use this pruning strategy only for American elderberries (2016). European elderberries require a completely different approach: do not prune them (2016).

Japanese beetles are the pests you gotta watch out for (2019). Damage will exceed 15% if these buggers are left unchecked (2019). Large-capacity mass trapping systems can keep the damage below the 15% threshold (2018). For more information on dealing with Japanese beetles, check out the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide (2019).

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Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) can also be a problem (2021). These little devils lay eggs inside ripening fruit and can wreak havoc (2021). The Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide can help you out if you're battling SWD (2021).

Not much is known about elderberry diseases, but a bacterial leaf spot and rust disease have been reported in Missouri (2012). Information on control is scant, so keep an eye out (2012).

Birds might be a nuisance and gobble up your precious elderberries (2012). Bird netting can reduce bird depredation, but it's expensive and time-consuming (2012).

There's a wide variety of elderberry products available for consumption (Byers et al., 2012). These include seeds, cuttings, plants, fresh and frozen elderberries, dried flowers, wine, juice, extract, syrup, jelly, jam, and more (Byers et al., 2012). Oh, and elderberries are considered a superfood, so don't forget to use that as a marketing tool (Byers et al., 2012).

The focus for direct marketing farms should be on selling fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried berries (2012). If you're thinking about selling other products, make sure you're adhering to Ohio's cottage food laws (2012).

So, there you have it - the A to Z on elderberry farming in the Midwest. If you're thinking about planting elderberries, do your research and identify potential buyers before committing to a large planting (2022). Oh, and don't forget to thank the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their financial support (2022).

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Agriculture in the Midwest is seeing a rise in the cultivation of elderberries, with universities like Missouri contributing to the research and development of elderberry crops.
Sustainable agriculture practices are being applied in elderberry farming, focusing on soil health, proper drainage, and sunlight for optimal growth.
Science plays a crucial role in elderberry farming, with ongoing research into pest management, nutrient requirements, and disease prevention.
Health-and-wellness and lifestyle choices have led to an increase in the consumption of elderberry products, with food-and-drink industries using elderberries in wine, juice, jelly, and dietary supplements.
Nutritionists highlight elderberries as a superfood, emphasizing their potential health benefits and using this as a marketing tool for the agriculture and food industries.