Planted elderberry plants from a nursery in full sun in Miss. started seeing little sprigs of growth and some flowers but overall plants seem puny. What can I do to encourage more growth snd development?
Make sure they are getting plenty of water. They need 1 to 2 inches per week. They cannot tolerate drought.
For the first two years, you should let them do their own thing. After that you can do some pruning to encourage good yields. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/planting-elderberry.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/pruning-an-elderberry.htm
I’m worried about my 2nd year Black Lace Elderberry bush. I have it in a corner within pines that gets about 3-4 hours hot afternoon sun. During this heatwave I have been watering it daily. My question is why are the leaves green instead of the dark purple? I live in the PNW, zone 6.
It must get too warm for your elderberry. The foliage stays dark in cool climates. In warmer months, the foliage is mainly green.
It’s in an 18 gallon bucket with drainage holes on the bottom/sides. 75% sun. Gets plenty of water (has lots of new growth and in fact sent up a fourth stalk at the far edge of the bucket this year, so it seems healthy…) Just to clarify … I see a lot of questions about berries and pollination but mine is about flowers. I’m not getting flowers or buds at all.
It sounds like you have all the cultural needs. Elderberries don't normally need much fertilizer, but since yours isn't flowering, next spring apply a slow release 10-10-10 fertilizer. You might also consider having your soil tested. There may be something amiss. You can enrich the soil with compost or manure right now. Make sure the container is very well draining as elderberries do not like wet feet. They also prefer cool and moist to hot and dry, which you may experience in Texas.
Pruning will benefit the shrub as the older canes are less productive. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/pruning-an-elderberry.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/elderberry-bush-varieties.htm
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/08/what-best-way-grow-elderberries
We have a HUGE elderberry bush (tree, rather) but went on vacation. Upon return, the elderberries had dried on the bush. Can I still harvest them, and either freeze, keep as dried, or boil them for preserves/syrup, etc. ?
The problem is you didn't get the chance to wash off insects and eggs before drying and pick out unripe or undesirable fruit. Plus they likely were overripe before drying on the vine and could be spoiled or moldy. Also, if they were sundried properly, you would bring them in at night to prevent moisture from condensing on the surface. In short, no preparation controls were utilized.
I would consider them a lost cause this time.
http://store.msuextension.org/publications/HomeHealthandFamily/MT200909HR.pdf
https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/media/ElderberryGuideComplete.pdf
See attach pics of elderberries I discovered on my property 2 years ago. The property was a farm at one time. They are close to a ditch. The did flower but have few berries on them. I’ve tried to clear the brush away and tie them up with stakes because they are all leaning into the ditch.. Any tips on how to get more berries. Thanks!
Usually, this is due to a lack of other shrubs, but clearly you have plenty, here. I believe this to be related to a lack of nutrients. Particularly, phosphorus and potassium. You can test for this, luckily. This collection of articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/elderberries-not-fruiting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
Should I net it, it appears the green berries are being taken
You could try netting, as this is can keep away pests from your elderberries, but there could be other reasons why your flowers and berries are falling off.
Many times, this means that there is too much nitrogen in the soil and not enough phosphorus and potassium. Feeding with both should offset that.
They do their best when there are two, though. Having a second nearby will increase production.
Here are some articles for more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/elderberries-not-fruiting.htm
e elderberry plants this time of year (August)?
These, really, need to be planted in spring. You may need to keep them in container until the spring. This article will help you to grow these:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/planting-elderberry.htm