GoodBarn Elderberry

Bring the exceptional Goodbarn Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) to your garden, a robust American elderberry variety known for its high yields, adaptability, and versatility. Introduced by plant breeder Elwyn Meader, this variety was discovered thriving near his barn and has since become a favorite among home gardeners and small-scale growers for its self-fertility and dependable fruit production.

Why Choose Goodbarn Elderberry?

• Abundant Harvests: Produces heavy clusters of dark purple-black berries ideal for fresh eating, syrups, wines, and jams.
• Self-Fertile: While Goodbarn does not require another elderberry variety for fruiting, planting a second variety can boost yields.
• Beautiful Blooms and Fall Foliage: Clusters of creamy white flowers in June attract pollinators, while its vibrant fall foliage adds ornamental value.
• Cold-Hardy and Adaptable: Thrives in Zones 3-9 and grows well in a variety of climates.
• Fast-Growing and Vigorous: Reaches 5-10 feet tall and wide, with a broad, multi-stemmed growth habit perfect for hedges or privacy screens.
• Reliable Ripening: Berries ripen in late summer, around August, extending your harvest window.

Planting and Growing Instructions

1. Preparing the Cuttings: Place cuttings in water or moist soil immediately upon arrival. You can root them indoors or directly outdoors in suitable conditions.
2. Planting Time: Best planted in early spring as soon as the ground thaws or in mid-spring.
3. Location: Choose a site with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and fruiting.
4. Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well-draining soil and tolerates a variety of soil types. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.
5. Spacing: Space plants 2-4 feet apart in rows with rows 10-14 feet apart for proper airflow and production.
6. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist as cuttings establish roots. Once rooted, water regularly, especially during dry periods.
7. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and encourage new growth, as berries form on first-year wood.

Pro Tips for Success

• Cross-Pollination Boost: While Goodbarn is self-fertile, planting another variety such as Johns or Adams nearby can further enhance fruit production.
• Harvesting: Pick berries when fully ripe (dark purple-black) in late summer for maximum flavor and nutritional benefits.
• Multi-Use Plant: Goodbarn Elderberry works as a productive fruiting shrub, a stunning ornamental plant, or a pollinator-friendly hedgerow.

Non-GMO Commitment: At Growing Farmers and The Farm on Central, all our plants are guaranteed non-GMO and not genetically modified in any way, upholding natural breeding methods and promoting sustainable gardening and farming practices.

Growing method: Grown on our Coop farms using natural growing methods, no chemicals used.