Elderberry Blog

We didn't start out making our syrup with our American elderberries. We started pretty much the way most elderberry syrup makers do. With dehydrated European elderberries. They were inexpensive, easy to find, and easy to store. But the more I started to order, the more concerned I became.

Today, we have more than 5,000 plants and nearly 30 named varieties growing on the farm. Some things about northern Minnesota make growing American elderberry harder. Some things actually work in our favor. And after several years of experimenting, killing plants, fighting mites, amending soil and learning what different varieties do here, we've gotten considerably better at knowing what these plants want.

There are easier ways to make elderberry syrup that the way we make it. But by growing our own berries, harvesting, processing, juicing, and bottling them ourselves, we know we have a superior product.

As winter approaches, it's crucial to prepare your elderberry plants for their dormancy period. In our recent video, we share essential tips to help ensure your elderberries thrive come spring. 1. Pruning: Start by pruning your elderberry bushes. Remove any dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth. Amount of pruning should be dependent of varieties you have and when your elderberries are located. The further south you live the more pruning your elderberries will