In wild gardens, elderberry bushes are a defining feature. They are widespread in the native forests and provide not only edible fruits but also aromatic flowers. The season begins in spring when the flower umbels are fully open.
Elderflowers can be harvested in early summer
harvest season
Due to its versatility, the black elder has a particularly long season. The flowering period of this species extends from May to July, while its fruits are ready for harvest from August to September. Flowers and berries provide ingredients for the kitchen.
Elderberry thrives here
In Central Europe, Sambucus nigra is one of the most common shrub species. The tree is undemanding and robust, which is advantageous for its wide distribution. The frost-hardy plant prefers semi-shady conditions and grows on medium-heavy or sandy soil. They are ideally nitrogen rich and offer fresh conditions. Slightly acidic loamy soils are a perfect basis for growth. The elder is a typical species in weedy areas, in forest clearings or along roadsides.
Plant
If you want to cultivate the shrub yourself in the garden, you can take cuttings in midsummer. These should be about ten centimeters long and not completely lignified. Halve all leaves to reduce water loss. Place the sprouts in a glass of water in a light and warm place. After a few weeks, the first roots will appear, so you can cultivate the young plants in pots.
plant out
The uncomplicated plant can be planted in the garden until the onset of winter. Loosen the subsoil down to the deeper layers and improve it with compost. Stick the young plants into the soil and press the substrate firmly. Water the plant well and ensure a regular water supply for the first year.
Collect
Cloth bags and wicker baskets are ideal for harvesting the elderflower umbels, because the parts of the plant are stored loosely and well ventilated here. Condensation forms quickly in sealable collection containers and the quality drops.
How to do it right:
- Do not break off the umbels, but cut them off with scissors
- Gently shake or tap stems to remove insects
- Proceed very carefully so that the pollen does not fly away
The ideal time
The flowers are particularly fragrant when the shrub has enjoyed a few days of dry and sunny weather. Pick the umbels of flowers in the morning or in the morning, because the intensity of the taste decreases over the course of the day. Rain washes out the pollen, so the aroma is less intense. Moisture also encourages mold growth.
tips
Soak the flowers in milk, sieve off the parts of the plant and whip up a mass of egg yolk and sugar. Add this to the simmering elderflower milk and add whipped cream after it has cooled. In the freezer, the mixture freezes into elderflower ice cream.