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If you know much about us here at River Hills Harvest, you know we grow only American elderberry selections. Also known as Sambucus canadensis. We call them selections, because each one was 'selected' from the wild at one point somewhere in the USA. Although each selection was once a wild native, they've earned their names by proving to grow with characteristics that we desire: Fruiting each year, even ripening, disease and pest resistance and more.
How do we determine they have those qualities? First, we grow them on private farms throughout the country. Not only us, but growers throughout the USA are also selecting and growing types they think do great in their area. Then if they continue to grow well, they are sent to The University of Missouri and grown there, where they are documented throughout their growing cycle. Not all selections submitted come out as valuable growing elderberry plants, some don't make the cut.
These particular plants are reproduced by dormant hardwood cuttings. The elderberry genome is so large, you will never get the same plant if you plant seeds. To learn more about the genome of elderberry, read our blog post: American Elderberries, How to Buy.
This process of elderberry selection has been happening in the USA for over 100 years, with Adams being one of the first selections. Today, we are going to talk about the Bob Gordon selection. Bob was 'selected' from the wild in 1999 near Oceola, Missouri. Not that long ago, huh? It was discovered by farmer, Bob Gordon. Alongside his wife Charlotte Cooper and University of Missouri elderberry guru, Andrew Thomas.
Why is Bob Gordon such a popular elderberry selection still, after 25 years?
Bob Gordon has proven to be an excellent grower.
After 25 years, Bob Gordon is still grown in some of the same orchards it was back then. It continues to do well on our commercial farms throughout the Midwest, and in the backyards of many Americans. It is a heavy producer of large, sweet berries.
Bob Gordon has a higher brix.
The selection, Bob Gordon, is often chosen by wine makers because of its high brix berries. Meaning, they are sweeter than others. This is also a desirable quality if you are making elderberry juice or syrup, as sweeter is generally tastier!
Bob Gordon produces recumbent ripe berry heads.
This is my favorite part about Bob Gordon elderberries, and why I recommend them to backyard growers almost always! Recumbent berry heads mean when the berries start to ripen and fill with juice, the head of the plant hangs upside-down. Rather than sticking straight up. This positioning makes it difficult for birds to access them. And let's be honest, most of the trick of harvesting elderberries is racing the birds to them!
In addition, many backyard growers will use netting to cover their plants. The recumbent berry heads are a little easier to access then to cover with individual nets. They are slightly easier to harvest than others as well, with their upside-down positioned heads.
About Bob Gordon growth habits.
Bob Gordon comes on later than most other elderberry selections. You generally won't start to see growth until your others are already on, and they will flower and fruit later as well. They are a determinate selection, meaning they produce one head per cyme and then are done for the season. Their later ripening works well in an orchard setting with other selections that ripen earlier, as you get a longer window to harvest.
They are not completely resistant to any pests or diseases. As they can be susceptible to leaf spot disease later in the year. Mites can also make their way into your Bob Gordon and should be treated when damage is noticed. For a list of pests, diseases and treatments for American elderberries, click HERE for the University of Missouri Extension's publication.
We have seen Bob Gordon American elderberries grow for many years across the Midwest and be heavy producers. We sell them in various stages of growth throughout the year on our website and at trade shows. For more information about the cycle of American elderberry buying, read our blog post American Elderberries, How to Buy.
For more in-depth information, read over our Planting Bare Root Elderberries or Planting Dormant Hardwood Cuttings blogs. Both can give you better insight of how you may want to start elderberries. You can also visit our Plants & Supplies page on our website to see what's available now to order or pre-order.
If you want to compare Bob Gordon characteristics to other selections, visit our Resources page. Here we explain a bit more about the different types of American elderberries we grow and sell.
Until next time, cheers to your health!
Heather
I am Heather Wilson, of the River Hills Harvest crew. By being part of the company, I am blessed to have access to American elderberries in all forms. I enjoy experimenting with new ways to incorporate them into my diet, as well as other natural plants, berries and more. I have a background in greenhouse management as well as floral design and am involved in the art community as an artist, when time allows. I enjoy playing guitar and writing songs. I also enjoy wandering in nature with no real purpose, because a purpose always presents itself. It’s a busy life, but one that I love and feel lucky to be a part of.
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