{"product_id":"red-elderberry","title":"Red Elderberry","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"585\" data-end=\"1122\" class=\"\"\u003eRed Elderberry is a resilient, multi-stemmed native shrub prized for its ornamental beauty, wildlife value, and traditional uses. Its striking red berry clusters develop in early summer and are highly attractive to birds and other wildlife. Though toxic when raw, the berries are safe to eat once cooked and have long been used in traditional preparations by Indigenous communities along the BC coast. This hardy perennial is well-suited to woodland gardens and shady borders, bringing a splash of colour and supporting local ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1162\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1162\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Red Elderberry?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1414\" class=\"\"\u003eRed Elderberry is best grown in Zones 4-9. It thrives in moist or wet soils, tolerates partial to full shade, and will grow in both cultivated and naturalised landscapes. It is especially suited to rain gardens, forest edges, and damp woodland areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1416\" data-end=\"1447\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1416\" data-end=\"1447\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1449\" data-end=\"1836\" class=\"\"\u003eNative to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Red Elderberry (also known as \u003cem data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1542\"\u003eSambucus racemosa\u003c\/em\u003e) has been used for generations by First Nations for both food and medicine. The berries, once properly prepared by cooking or drying, are used in syrups, jellies, and teas. The shrub also plays an important role in providing early summer forage for pollinators and nesting materials for birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1838\" data-end=\"1867\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1838\" data-end=\"1867\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1869\" data-end=\"2131\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1869\" data-end=\"1883\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds outdoors in autumn or stratify and sow in early spring.\u003cbr data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1952\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1952\" data-end=\"1966\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cold stratify for 60-90 days before sowing in spring.\u003cbr data-start=\"2020\" data-end=\"2023\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2034\"\u003eZone 4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protect young plants in their first winter; mulch well or start in containers for transplanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1869\" data-end=\"2131\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2133\" data-end=\"2175\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2133\" data-end=\"2175\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Red Elderberry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2177\" data-end=\"2587\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2177\" data-end=\"2190\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 6mm (¼in) deep in moist soil or containers after stratification. Space 60-90cm (24-36in) apart.\u003cbr data-start=\"2296\" data-end=\"2299\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2299\" data-end=\"2312\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry summer periods.\u003cbr data-start=\"2376\" data-end=\"2379\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2379\" data-end=\"2394\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Berries ripen in early summer. Harvest only once fully red and soft; always cook before eating.\u003cbr data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2493\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2493\" data-end=\"2509\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune older canes in late winter to encourage new growth and shape the shrub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2589\" data-end=\"2627\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2589\" data-end=\"2627\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2629\" data-end=\"2937\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2629\" data-end=\"2651\"\u003eSelect Ripe Fruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wait until berries are fully red and soft.\u003cbr data-start=\"2694\" data-end=\"2697\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2697\" data-end=\"2715\"\u003eExtract Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mash and rinse berries, removing pulp and debris.\u003cbr data-start=\"2765\" data-end=\"2768\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"2786\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air-dry cleaned seeds and store in a cool, dry place.\u003cbr data-start=\"2840\" data-end=\"2843\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2843\" data-end=\"2872\"\u003eStratify for Germination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cold-stratify for 60-90 days before sowing the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2939\" data-end=\"3040\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2961\" data-end=\"2985\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"2988\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"2988\" data-end=\"3040\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811205492978,"sku":"MF-NATIVE-014","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Red_Elderberry.jpg?v=1772481925","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/fr\/products\/red-elderberry","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}