06/11/2026
We planted thousands more elderberry cuttings this spring to keep up with the growing demand for our farm-crafted elderberry syrup.
Unlike many crops, elderberry cuttings can be planted well before the last frost date—as long as a hard frost isn’t in the forecast. But if there’s one thing Niagara growers know, it’s that spring can be anything but predictable. Between the constant rain and soggy soil, planting too early can mean rotten cuttings instead of thriving plants.
We usually aim to have our cuttings in the ground by mid-April, but Mother Nature had other plans this year. With the unusually wet spring, it was closer to mid-May before conditions were finally right for planting.
A good elderberry planting starts long before the cuttings ever touch the soil. We select thicker, healthy dormant cuttings with two sets of nodes (four nodes total). The lower nodes develop into roots while the upper nodes produce new shoots and leaves. Cuttings should come from a reputable source and be properly cleaned and treated with a gentle sanitizer and dormant oil. The last thing you want is to introduce pests or disease into a new planting.
Luckily, we were able to take our own cuttings this winter when we coppiced our established elderberry plants. After harvesting, cuttings are stored in sealed bags in the refrigerator until planting time arrives.
With the help of our dad(s)/father-in-law(s), we spent the weeks prepping the field, planting cuttings, mulching, spreading compost (made right here on our farm from our cows, horse, goats, and chickens), setting up irrigation, mowing, and doing all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into growing healthy elderberries.
And remember those elderberry plants we cut right to the ground last year? They’re rapidly growing an inch per day and are already beginning to set blossoms.
It’s a labour of love, and we’re incredibly grateful. Seeing so many people choose our elderberry syrup for their families has been encouraging. Every bottle starts with moments like these—careful planning, hard work, family support, and a whole lot of faith in what we’re growing.
