FAQs

Cuttings are harvested and shipped during the plant's dormant season, typically December through February, depending on weather and availability.

Keep cuttings in the refrigerator until ready to plant. Plant in moist, well-drained soil with full to partial sunlight. Space plants about 4–6 feet apart and keep the soil consistently damp during rooting. Download our elderberry planting tips!

The best time to plant elderberry cuttings is in early spring, typically January through April, while the plants are still dormant. Fall planting is possible in mild climates, provided the ground doesn’t freeze.

Elderberries thrive in well-drained loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Avoid standing water or sandy soil that dries out quickly. Adding organic matter to the soil will also help improve soil conditions.

For maximum growth and harvest, space plants 4–6 feet apart in rows 12–16 feet apart. This allows airflow and room for mowing or maintenance. For example, at 4x12 (plant-row) spacing you can plant 908 plants per acre. At 4x14 spacing you can plant 779 plants per acre. And at 4x16 spacing you can plant 681 per acre.

Elderberries love full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day) and consistent moisture. They need about 1–2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall.

We recommend planting at least two different American elderberry varieties for optimal fruit production through cross-pollination.

Eriophyid Mites, Stink Bugs, Birds and Deer can are a common nuisance. Other pests to watch for are the Elderberry Borer Beetle, Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), Japanese Beetles, Cane or Shoot Borer, and Sawfly Larvae are occasionally an issue. Natural pest management such as neem oil works well. Our Hamilton cultivar has shown resistance to eriophyid mites.

We offer six proven varieties: Hamilton (I), Pocahontas (I), Bob Gordon (D), Wyldewood (D), Ranch (D), and Native-MS (D) — each with unique growth and berry characteristics. (I)=Indeterminate and (D) = Determinate

All cuttings come from healthy, productive mother plants on our certified nursery farm. They are sanitized, inspected, and stored under ideal conditions before shipping.

Elderflowers bloom in late May to early July, depending on your region. The berries typically ripen from late July through September, depending on cultivar. For Growing Zone 8b, Ranch, Bob Gordon, Wyldewood, and Native-MS bloom and ripen first followed a couple weeks later by Pocahontas and Hamilton. We have seen Hamilton bloom and set fruit into late November in Zone 8b.

Elderberries are ready to harvest when they turn a deep purple-black and hang in heavy clusters. Avoid green or red berries—they are not yet ripe.

Elderberries are harvested by hand. Simply pinch or cut the entire cluster (called a cyme or umbrel) of elderberries from the stem. There are no mechanical harvesters invented yet that can harvest elderberries on a commercial scale.

After harvesting, carefully remove the berries from their stems. There are a few commercial destemmers available to make the destemming process easier. Following food safety guidelines, wash, sanitize (using an approved sanitizer such as SaniDate 5.0), and rinse thoroughly. Spread the cleaned berries in a single layer on a tray and freeze before transferring them to airtight bags or containers. Alternatively, refrigerate immediately and use within 1–2 days. Properly frozen elderberries retain their flavor and nutrients for up to a year.

To order from our website simply create an account using your email. You will receive a welcome email as confirmation of your account creation. Login and add what you'd like to your cart and checkout directly online through our store. If you are a retailer and interested in a wholesale account email us at info@veteranberries.com to apply.

Yes, when placing your order there is a local pickup option during checkout. Please contact us to make arrangments for pickup. Orders are usually available for pickup within 24 hours of ordering.

Currently, we only ship within the continental United States due to agricultural regulations.

For health and safety reasons, food and wellness products are non-returnable once opened. Unopened items may be returned within 7 days for a refund or exchange. See our Refund Policy for return authorization instructions.

Please email info@veteranberries.com within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the damage. Refer to our Refund Policy for instructions on requesting a replacement or refund. We'll make it right.

Orders can be modified or canceled within 24 hours of purchase. After that time, we begin processing for shipping.

Juice is pure pressed elderberry liquid, great for smoothies or beverages.

Syrup is typically sweetened with honey or sugar and used for immune support.

Extracts are concentrated forms with a higher potency per serving.

Elderberries are naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and powerful flavonoids that help strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and support heart health. Studies also suggest elderberries may help shorten cold and flu symptoms, improve cognition, regulate blood sugar, and promote healthy weight.

Elderflowers are packed with antioxidants and bioactive compounds that support respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin. Traditionally used for their gentle detoxifying and soothing properties, elderflowers may help relieve seasonal allergies, support immune response, and are often used in teas, skin care, cordials, and wellness remedies for their calming, restorative effects.

Adults: 1 tablespoon daily for maintenance, up to 3x daily during seasonal support. Children (over age 2): 1 teaspoon daily or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Consult your healthcare provider before using elderberry products during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as research is limited.

Yes. Elderberries are safe for regular use as part of a balanced diet and wellness routine.

We’re a proud Veteran-Owned Small Business rooted in East Central Mississippi, where service and purpose run deep. At Veteran Berries, Our Mission is Your Wellness—we grow and supply premium American elderberry products while empowering veterans and small farmers to cultivate new opportunities through our Boots-to-Roots Program.

Boots-to-Roots is Veteran Berries’ signature program designed to help veterans, active servicemembers transitioning to civilian life, military spouses, first responders, and beginning or underserved farmers enter the specialty crop market of American Elderberries. We provide mentorship and consultative support—from soil testing and field design to planting and harvest guidance—helping you turn service and hard work into a sustainable future in agriculture. See our Boots-to-Roots Program page for more details.

Visit our Boots-to-Roots page and fill out the inquiry form. We'll contact you to discuss your goals and farm plans.

We provide Field Planning & Preparations, Custom Plantings, and Post-Harvest Consultation services for small and large scale growers. We can tailor services to meet your farm plan and objectives. We do custom plantings for a minimum of 2 acres.

Yes. Elderberries are perennial, resilient, and beneficial to pollinators and wildlife. They offer multiple revenue streams—from berries and flowers to cuttings, leaves and value-added culinary products.