An elderberry in the garden requires little care. The pivotal points of exemplary care are watering, fertilizing and cutting. Find out here how you can competently take these few requirements into account.
How to care for an elderberry in the garden?
Caring for an elderberry in the garden includes regular watering to keep the soil constantly moist, starting fertilization in spring or organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, and annual pruning from December to March to regulate growth.
How to water an elderberry?
Elderberry reacts indignantly to powder-dry soil by shedding all of its leaves. Experienced hobby gardeners therefore ensure that the soil is constantly moist. If the natural rainfall is not sufficient, watering is carried out. Always pour the water directly onto the tree disc and not over leaves and flowers.
Does elderberry need to be fertilized?
Don't let your wild fruit tree go hungry. Apply a starter fertilizer in spring consisting of 60 grams of slow-release fertilizer per square meter. Alternatively, work compost (€10.00 on Amazon), horn shavings or another organic fertilizer into the soil every 3-4 weeks.
What requirements apply to the correct cut?
A shape and maintenance cut is not one of the mandatory care measures. In view of the lush growth, annual pruning is recommended. How to do it right:
- Elderberry blooms and bears fruit on last year's wood
- A date after the harvest from December to March is ideal
- shorten all removed branches by half to two thirds
- cut young shoots a little only if necessary
- the incision starts just above one eye
In connection with the pruning, the entire elderberry is thoroughly thinned out so that it can thrive in an airy and loose manner again. Take this opportunity to remove any water shoots that sprout vertically from the roots.
What can cause illness to an elderberry?
All elderberry species are naturally resistant to disease. If he alth problems occur, the following three infections are at the top of the list of suspects:
- Umbel Wilt
- trickling
- Gray horse
You can do a lot in advance to prevent it from affecting your elderberry. This includes planting in a suitable location, appropriate planting distance and a balanced water and nutrient supply.
Tips & Tricks
The frugal elderberry can easily cope with being transplanted as long as it is done during the first 2-3 years. Choose a date in spring or fall. Four weeks beforehand, separate the roots in the eaves area and water thoroughly. Plant the tree in the new location exactly as deep as it was before.
