One elderberry plant can produce fruit. The elderberry (Sambucus) is a self-fruitful plant, meaning it has both male and female reproductive parts and can pollinate itself. This means that even if you have just one elderberry plant in your garden, it has the potential to produce berries.
However, it is important to note that while self-pollination is possible, having multiple elderberry plants can result in a more dependable and larger crop of berries. Cross-pollination between different varieties of elderberry plants can lead to increased fruit set and yield.
When it comes to elderberry varieties, there are several good ones that have been developed for their fruit production. Some popular varieties include Adams 1, Adams 2, York, Nova, Scotia, Kent, and Johns. These varieties have been specifically bred and selected for their desirable fruit characteristics, such as size, flavor, and productivity.
In my personal experience, I have found that having multiple elderberry plants in the garden has indeed resulted in a more abundant harvest compared to having just a single plant. The cross-pollination between different varieties seems to enhance fruit set and ensure a more consistent yield year after year.
If you are planning to grow elderberries for fruit production, I would highly recommend planting at least two different varieties to maximize the chances of successful cross-pollination and a bountiful harvest. This will help ensure that you have a more reliable crop of elderberries and enjoy a larger yield of delicious and nutritious berries.
To summarize, while one elderberry plant can produce fruit through self-pollination, having multiple plants of different varieties will likely lead to a more dependable and larger crop. Planting two or more varieties, such as Adams 1, Adams 2, York, Nova, Scotia, Kent, and Johns, can ensure successful cross-pollination and increase the chances of a fruitful harvest.
