Elderberry Selections

Bob Gordon is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional cultivars in terms of flavor and high brix levels. It has been recognized as the most prolific producer in trials conducted at the University of Missouri. This cultivar was originally discovered and collected from the wild by Robert Gordon, Charlotte Cooper, and Andrew Thomas in the vicinity of Osceola, MO in 1999. An additional benefit of Bob Gordon is that its berry clusters hang decumbently, which serves to deter birds from easily accessing them. In our latitude, this cultivar is semi-determinate to determinate. However, it should be noted that Bob Gordon ripens later than some other varieties, and as such, it is not recommended for cultivation beyond 50.7 degrees latitude.

Ranch exhibits remarkable vigor and demonstrates high productivity. It surpasses other varieties in its ability to withstand drought conditions and exhibits the fastest rooting capability from cuttings. The stems of Ranch are robust and erect, while the bushes establish themselves rapidly. Overall, Ranch is an impressive cultivar. It possesses a strong determinate growth habit and exhibits an earlier ripening period compared to numerous other varieties. Although it thrives in nutrient-deficient soils, it may not be the most suitable choice for alkaline (high pH) soil types. To enhance fruit set on the earliest blooms of the season, it is advisable to plant Kent, Berry Hill, Nova, or Victoria as pollinator companions for Ranch.

Adams is an antiquated cultivar that traces its origins back to the year 1926 in New York, having been meticulously chosen from the wild by the esteemed William Adams. This particular variety boasts a towering stature and bears diminutive berries, yet it exhibits a commendable yield and forms substantial clusters. Although it ripens tardily in our region, it nevertheless attains a satisfactory level of ripeness. Additionally, Adams showcases an abundance of blossoms owing to its indeterminate nature. In our experience, Adams demonstrates exceptional performance and displays an extraordinary level of vigor.

York is a hybrid variety that combines the traits of Ezyoff and Adams 2, developed in the year 1926. This cultivar exhibits a substantial size and high productivity in terms of plant growth. The clusters of berries it produces are notably heavy, with individual berries being of considerable size and possessing a deep red hue. While it ripens satisfactorily in our region, it tends to do so within a medium to late timeframe. Furthermore, York showcases vigorous growth and consistently bears fruit for an extended period of time.

The Scotia Seedling of Adams 2 was officially introduced in 1960 by the research station located in Kentville, Nova Scotia. This cultivar boasts of large-sized fruit that ripens early, and is known to possess a sweeter taste than the Kent and Victoria varieties. It has been widely adopted by commercial growers across Canada, and is believed to exhibit better adaptability to higher latitudes than certain other cultivars.

Victoria Seedling of Adams 2 released in 1960 from research station in Kentville, Nova Scotia.  Grown by commercial growers in Canada; tolerates higher latitudes better than some varieties.  Victoria is the most vigorous and best producer of the Kentville 5.  Deep purple clusters that ripen early and have excellent colour.

Kent Seedling of Adams 1 released in 1960 from research station in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Grown by commercial growers in Canada; tolerates higher latitudes better than some varieties.  Kent is in the top two producers of the Kentville 5 in our experience.  Deep purple fruit.

Coomer Developed in Vermont by Lewis Hill. Very cold hardy, ripens early and uniformly.  Beautiful clusters with large deep red berries.  It has very decumbent cymes which are fairly bird resistant.

Berry Hill was developed in Vermont by Lewis Hill. Very cold hardy, productive, ripens uniformly and early.  Beatiful clusters with large deep red berries. It has very decumbent cymes which are more bird resistant. This variety is among the top 3 most vigorous s. canadensis and is THE most tolerant of alkaline soil out of all the s. canadensis varieties.

The Ranch of the North

This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors.