When planting elderberry plants (Sambucus Nigra), it’s generally recommended to plant them at least 3 to 5 metres away from buildings, fences, or other structures. This distance helps ensure the plants have enough space to grow without interfering with the structures as they mature. Additionally, maintaining this distance allows for easier access to the plants for maintenance and pruning, and to the structures for their maintenance.
Elderberry Trees are easy to grow. They require slightly acidic soils, and therefore, our soil kit will ensure the plant grows to its full potential.
Before planting your bush, add your berry mix and volcanic rock dust (which contains organic minerals and trace elements to boost soil health and increase important micro-organisms) close to the surface.
Gently take your plant out of the pot and plant it level with the ground. The plant will not do well if planted too high or too deep in the ground. Always grow to the same level as in the pot you bought it in.
Dig a nice big hole at least 50cm wide and 50cm deep. Fill with lots of organic matter, and at the top of the soil mix in a bag of Berry Mix and one bag of Volcanic Rock Dust.
Mulching
Once planted, cover the soil with a thick layer of Pine Bark Mulch, and as it decomposes, it adds acidity to the soil. Replace the mulch every 3-4 months, but keep it about 20 centimetres away from the tree’s stem. This will keep weeds away and prevent the soil from drying out too much.
Mulch also keeps the soil from becoming too hot in the Summer months
Ultimate Soil for Elderberry Plants:
Before planting your bush, add your berry mix and volcanic rock dust (which contains organic minerals and trace elements to boost soil health and increase important micro-organisms) close to the surface.
Gently take your plant out of the pot and plant it level with the ground. The plant will not do well if planted too high or too deep in the ground.
Always plant to the same level as in the pot you bought it in.
Fertilising
An added extra – Use our slow-release nitrogen-rich berry fertiliser R50. Apply one teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control ) will assist in either prevention or after the fact. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).
Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.
