Bob Gordon Elderberry Cuttings and Plants: Large Fruit Clusters, Easy Grow
[Late Winter/Early Spring 2026 Nursery Update!]
We are still in the thick of winter here, with 1–2 feet of snow on the ground and single digit nighttime temperatures. While we aim to maintain a fast shipping schedule, our top priority is protecting your plants. We will harvest, process, and ship orders only during windows of mild weather to ensure your cuttings and plants arrive safely. (We cannot wait for temps to go above freezing!)
We can’t wait for the growing season to begin!
Bob Gordon (Sambucus canadensis)
Bob Gordon is a standout American elderberry variety, renowned for its large, pendulous flower and fruit clusters. This cultivar produces exceptionally plump, dark purple berries with a rich flavor, making it an excellent choice for jams, jellies, syrups, and wines. Its vigorous growth habit and reliable fruiting make it a favorite among growers.
One unique characteristic of Bob Gordon is its inverted flower heads, which naturally hang downward, helping to protect the ripening fruit from sunscald and pests. This elderberry is also highly productive, though it requires cross-pollination with another compatible elderberry variety, such as Wyldewood or Native elders for optimal fruit set.
Size: Typically grows 6–8 feet tall and wide, depending on growing conditions
Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Growing Conditions:
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade
Soil: Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter
pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.5)
Water: Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruiting
Our Elderberries
**Grade A Cuttings: Typically pinky- to thumb-thick and 6–14 inches long. These premium cuttings are ideal for reliable propagation. Their larger size allows direct planting into firm ground without tools. The added size also makes them easy to locate as other plants grow around them later in the season.
**Bulk / Grade B Cuttings: A mix of larger and smaller cuttings, with 1–2 nodes. Cost-effective for establishing larger quantities, these are the same cuttings we use for our own nursery stock propagation.
**Small Plants / Rooted Cuttings: Cuttings rooted in sterile soil and shipped in 5" plugs. They will grow to 3–4 feet tall this year and may even give you a small taste of fruit. Expect a solid harvest next year. These grow quickly at this stage. Great value for a live plant!
**First-Year Live Plants: Large, well-established first-year plants, typically in 10" deep pots. Usually 1–2 feet tall, these develop into large, semi-mature bushes by the next growing season.
[Late Winter/Early Spring 2026 Nursery Update!]
We are still in the thick of winter here, with 1–2 feet of snow on the ground and single digit nighttime temperatures. While we aim to maintain a fast shipping schedule, our top priority is protecting your plants. We will harvest, process, and ship orders only during windows of mild weather to ensure your cuttings and plants arrive safely. (We cannot wait for temps to go above freezing!)
We can’t wait for the growing season to begin!
Bob Gordon (Sambucus canadensis)
Bob Gordon is a standout American elderberry variety, renowned for its large, pendulous flower and fruit clusters. This cultivar produces exceptionally plump, dark purple berries with a rich flavor, making it an excellent choice for jams, jellies, syrups, and wines. Its vigorous growth habit and reliable fruiting make it a favorite among growers.
One unique characteristic of Bob Gordon is its inverted flower heads, which naturally hang downward, helping to protect the ripening fruit from sunscald and pests. This elderberry is also highly productive, though it requires cross-pollination with another compatible elderberry variety, such as Wyldewood or Native elders for optimal fruit set.
Size: Typically grows 6–8 feet tall and wide, depending on growing conditions
Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Growing Conditions:
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade
Soil: Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter
pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.5)
Water: Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruiting
Our Elderberries
**Grade A Cuttings: Typically pinky- to thumb-thick and 6–14 inches long. These premium cuttings are ideal for reliable propagation. Their larger size allows direct planting into firm ground without tools. The added size also makes them easy to locate as other plants grow around them later in the season.
**Bulk / Grade B Cuttings: A mix of larger and smaller cuttings, with 1–2 nodes. Cost-effective for establishing larger quantities, these are the same cuttings we use for our own nursery stock propagation.
**Small Plants / Rooted Cuttings: Cuttings rooted in sterile soil and shipped in 5" plugs. They will grow to 3–4 feet tall this year and may even give you a small taste of fruit. Expect a solid harvest next year. These grow quickly at this stage. Great value for a live plant!
**First-Year Live Plants: Large, well-established first-year plants, typically in 10" deep pots. Usually 1–2 feet tall, these develop into large, semi-mature bushes by the next growing season.
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