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Growing Sambucus: Nature's Answer to ColdsWhat is sambucus,what are the tips to growing sambucus.The word sambucus is Latin for the elder tree. Elderberries are often grown to make Italian liqueur or elderberry wine. Growing sambucus can also be used as healing garden plants. The brightly colored berries that grow on the bushes are packed with sambucol, which is considered one of nature's flu remedies. Planting Elderberry bushes can be grown from seed. To be guaranteed of growing sambucus, it is necessary to plant different varieties for cross pollination purposes. In the United States, the plants are recommended for zones 3 - 11. Plant in areas that receive partial sun/shade. Seasoned gardeners often recommend the fruiting varieties York or Adam. Soil The main soil requirement for growing Elderberries is providing the plants with plenty of moisture. Fertile soil that is evenly moist is preferred. Native plants are usually found in wetlands. Care Sloping the soil towards the growing sambucus provides the plants with adequate amounts of rainfall. Watering sufficiently is most critical during the first season after planting. Elderberry bushes can be clipped and shaped. Fertilize in the springtime. Keep the plants well-watered for the best fruit production. Prune the dormant bushes during autumn or wintertime. They recover rapidly even if trimmed to the quick! You can use a mesh wire fence to house a well-maintained grove of bushes. Transplanting You may transplant elderberry bushes found growing wild. To do so, trim the bush back and dig the root ball out. Make sure the roots remain moist. At your chosen site, dig a planting hole double the size of the root ball. Plant Diseases The plants are seldom bothered by plant diseases. Pests Take note that wildlife especially birds love sambucus. You may have to take necessary steps to prevent them from eating your berries! Harvest Elderberries bloom each year typically in the late spring. From summertime to autumn, abundant dark, juicy berries can be harvested. Avoid picking the unripe red berries, as they may contain toxic levels of the alkaloid sambucine. Uses and Benefits The beneficial uses for growing sambucus are numerous. It has many cosmetic applications such as a hair dye or skin lightener. Native Americans used the ground, dried berries in puddings and breads. Elderberry wood is used for making fence posts as well as fine, hand crafted musical instruments. Planting sambucus has long been known as an effective remedy for coughs. In fact, patients who have experienced a persistent cough report significant improvement within 48 hours of taking elderberry syrup. Since we all know that natural products can be expensive it pays to grow your own! The berries can be used to make delightfully flavored wines, pies, and jellies. The flowers may also be battered and fried! Try your hand at growing sambucus and see for yourself how it helps out your family during cold and flu season. Elderberries have naturally-occurring levels of sambucol, which is loaded with bioflavonoid and vitamin C. This active ingredient knocks out the viral infections that cause colds. It can also be used as a preventative to illness as well as treatment. The fruit contains antioxidants and a compound known as anthocyanins which aids in reducing inflammation. This action helps to relieve symptoms like fever, chills, aches, and pains. Whether you are an aficionado of elderberry jelly, wine, or tea, the effects of growing sambucus is most pleasing to your palate! |
