How to grow Elder in the UK
- TypeBush or cane
- Ready to pickJune, September
- Space neededabout 2.5m x 2.5m
When is elder ready to pick?
Flowers in June (for cordial); berries in September (cook them first - never eat raw).
Pick flower heads when fully open on a sunny morning. Berries when dark purple-black and drooping.
Looking after elder
- Tough and easy - prune hard in winter if it gets too big
Storing and keeping
Make cordial from the flowers straight away; berries need cooking (jam, syrup).
Pests and problems
Very few. Raw berries, leaves and stems are poisonous - cook the berries.
Good varieties
- Black Lace: Dark purple lacy leaves and pink flowers.
- Wild elder: The hedgerow elder - flowers for cordial, berries for syrup.
Plan your own garden: it tells you what to do and when, for your postcode.
Start growing - it's free