Marge Elderberry
- Description
- CSA Terms and Agreement
❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ Seedlings available to ship today! ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎
❇︎ ❇︎ Pre-Ordering is OPEN! ❇︎ ❇︎
❇︎ Cuttings begin shipping in Early Spring 2025.
Marge is the only American-European elderberry (Sambucus canadensis x Sambucus nigra). It has the flavor and appearance of the American elders & the large berry size and yield of the European elders. Although Marge is mostly self-pollinating; yields increase with a second varietal and will cross-pollinate both S. canadensis and S. nigra varieties, making it an important cross-pollinator for all elderberries types.
Marge is a vigorous grower, out-yielding all other elderberries. In a 3 year, multi-site trial, conducted by the U. of Missouri, confirmed Marge significantly outperformed all other S. nigra cultivars in their trial and produced more fruit with larger berries than the S. canadensis in the trial. It is the bush we have planted the most on the farm.
These are seedlings and cuttings from our elderberry bushes where we harvest and sell the certified organic flowers and berries. We have been growing Marge elderberries for five years with excellent results. For us, bushes remain around 6 feet tall and wide. When planted closely together they will grow up to 10 feet tall. New canes grow from the base and do not put out wandering suckers.
USDA Zone: 3 - 9 hardiness, prefers cooler climates
Grow Height: 6 - 10', depending on spacing, and can be pruned shorter for easier harvesting
Sun: Full Sun, does well with some shade
Ripening Time: Late Summer
Pollination: Self-fertile, yields increase with a second variety; cross pollinates with all varieties.
Years to Fruit: 2 to 3 years (seedlings to canes); fruiting on 2nd year seedlings or 3rd year canes in zones 3 and 4.
Soil Type: Tolerates a wide variety, best in soils rich in organic matter & well-draining
Moisture Requirements: needs consistently moist soil, not wet, for two growing seasons. Do not allow soil to dry out in the first growing season. Very drought-tolerant once properly established.
Best Time to Plant: Spring and Fall. Summer planting is possible but watering requirements are more demanding. Best time to plant in most climates is Fall, followed by early Spring.
Mulch: important for all seasons, mulch deeply immediately after planting to protect young roots and retain hydrated soils.
The 2025 Summer CSA season will be 10 weeks from June 25 - August 27, 2025 (no pick-up week of July 4). Pick-up will be at The Boreal Farm on Wednesday from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
In joining The Boreal Farm CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), I understand and agree that farming is a seasonal and unpredictable undertaking. Pests, predation, disease, and weather can cause crop failure at any point in the growing season and we cannot issue refunds in the case of crop failure partial or in full.
I understand the size and number of items in my box will fluctuate each week throughout the growing season.
My certified organic share will vary from week-to-week depending on what is best in season at the time, and the farmer has the discretion to make substitutions.
The Boreal Farm will, to the best of its ability, provide the freshest, highest quality produce possible—however, I understand I am assuming a mutual risk with my farmer. Risk can include partial or complete crop shortages and/or failures.
Payment for CSA membership is due at the time of sign-up. Memberships are non-refundable, any full or partial refund is at the sole discretion of The Boreal Farm.
I agree to provide two clean 28 qt coolers labeled with my last name on the lid and front by June 15 and subsequently, provide a clean cooler each week for my share.
I agree to pick up my share at the agreed upon location and time each week or arrange for someone else to pick up my share and notify The Boreal Farm.
I understand that if I do not pick up my share it will be donated to a local charity of The Boreal Farm’s choosing.
The Primary Member is the person completing the purchase and is the point of contact concerning membership and other farm matters. Communication between Members and The Boreal Farm is by email. The Primary Member is responsible for reading the weekly newsletter where important updates and information is shared.
By purchasing a 2025 Summer CSA share, I understand and agree to these terms.
The Boreal Farm will not share your private information.