Key Features:

• Produces showy clusters of bright red berries and creamy white spring blossoms

• Hardy shrub suitable for naturalized plantings, borders, and woodland gardens

• Attracts birds and beneficial wildlife

• Non-GMO seeds with vigorous growth habit

• Grows well in cool to temperate climates

• Adds ornamental and ecological value to garden landscapes

Specifications:

• Seed Name: Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

• Common Name: Red Elderberry

• Plant Type: Deciduous Fruiting Shrub

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7

• Mature Height: 6–20 feet depending on conditions

• Flower Color: White to creamy white

• Berry Color: Bright red (berries are typically not eaten raw)

• Planting Season: Fall or Early Spring

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-draining soil; tolerates clay and loam

• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

• Pollination: Self-fertile; pollinators improve berry clusters

• Germination Time: 60–120 days (cold stratification recommended)

• GMO Status: Non-GMO

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

• Special Note: Berries are commonly used only when properly prepared and cooked

Planting Guide

1. Seed Preparation:
   Cold stratify seeds for 8–12 weeks by storing in moist sand in refrigerator.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting soil.

3. Temperature:
   Maintain 60–70°F (16–21°C) for germination after stratification.

4. Watering:
   Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding over-saturation.

5. Transplanting:
   Move plants outdoors after frost danger has passed.

6. Spacing:
   Space shrubs 6–10 feet apart for hedge or natural growth.

7. Care:
   Prune after flowering to shape and maintain healthy growth.