Elderberry Propagation Update — Day 42

Date: June 9, 2026
Original field note/blog post: April 28, 2026
Elapsed time: 42 days / 6 weeks

The elderberry cuttings are still looking strong overall at the six-week mark. Most of the surviving plants are showing healthy green growth, which is a much better sign than we had during the first couple of weeks.

A few losses were expected. At the last full check, we had 5 confirmed dead, 2 questionable, and the rest showing healthy new growth. The most interesting observation so far is that the fresh green shoots seem to be outperforming the older woody cuttings. Anecdotally, most or all of the brown woody cuttings failed, while the greener, more vigorous shoots are the ones that appear to be taking.

That may be an important site-specific lesson for future propagation here: elderberries may establish better for us from fresh green spring growth, especially when planted during a wet window, rather than relying heavily on dormant hardwood cuttings.

Still not calling the experiment completely finished yet. New top growth does not always guarantee a fully established root system, but at six weeks the surviving plants are well past the first major failure window. The next thing to watch is whether growth continues through hotter weather and whether the questionable plants recover or decline.

Current takeaway:
The elderberry planting is looking promising. Fresh green cuttings/shoots appear to be the clear winners so far.