Elderberry is not a hunger artist. The ornamental and fruit tree requires energy for the wonderful blossoms, the magnificent berry decoration and the impressive growth of 40 centimeters per year. We will introduce you to proper fertilization.
How should you properly fertilize elderberries?
When fertilizing elderberries, the focus should be on nitrogen. When planting, use compost and horn shavings, place nettle leaves in the planting hole and fertilize annually in spring with organic fertilizer. After flowering, switch to nitrogen-containing plant manure such as nettle manure.
Nitrogen is the focus of nutrient supply
In the garden, elderberry is considered an indicator plant for nitrogen-rich soil. It can be concluded from this that a rethink is required when it comes to fertilization. If the experts usually advise against a nitrogen-focused nutrient supply in the kitchen garden, this now becomes the focus. Since elderberry is not a food eater anyway, balanced fertilization follows this process:
- When planting, generously enrich the excavation with compost and horn shavings
- Lay a layer of nettle leaves in the planting hole under the substrate
- Administer compost (€12.00 on Amazon), manure, guano or similar organic fertilizer as an annual starting fertilizer in spring
- subsequently repeated fertilization with nitrogen-containing plant manure, such as nettle manure
Where a biological-mineral berry fertilizer is used, the dates for nutrient supply are reduced to one dose in March/April and another after flowering. When fruit sets begin, nitrogen-based fertilization must be stopped because it is no longer beneficial to the growth of the elderberries.
Fertilize correctly – this is what you need to pay attention to
Since elderberry is a shallow-rooted plant, it is at risk from excessive raking, especially when young. This is especially true when compost is incorporated into the soil. The soil additive should only be raked superficially so that it develops its full potential. It is important to note that the entire tree disc is included in the process.
If you apply mineral berry fertilizer, the soil surface must not be dry. If necessary, water first and then the preparation is applied. Last but not least, water again so that the active ingredients reach the roots quickly.
Tips & Tricks
Popular belief is that an elderberry in front of the house protects against lightning strikes and fire. Under its canopy, people are even said to be protected from mosquitoes and snake bites. Our ancestors therefore took off their hats as they passed by to acknowledge the good spirits in the elderberry.
