Nova Elderberry

(Sambucus canadensis · Certified Organic · Currently Sold Out for 2025)

Compact, cold-hardy, and consistently sweet—Nova is a top choice for small gardens, early harvests, and cold-climate growing.

Full Product Description

Nova is a compact elderberry cultivar developed in 1959 by the Canada Agriculture Research Station in Nova Scotia. Bred for cold climates and early ripening, it remains a northern favorite for its reliable yields, sweet flavor, and manageable size.

The plants produce fragrant, creamy-white blooms in June, followed by uniform clusters of deep purple berries that ripen in early August—typically just ahead of York. The fruit is notably sweeter than most elderberries, making Nova a great pick for jelly, pie, juice, wine, and preserves.

We’ve grown Nova organically for over five years and count on it for steady production and low maintenance. It matures quickly, supports pollinators, and suckers easily if you want it to fill space.

A strong choice for edible landscapes, smaller yards, and gardeners focused on sweet, early-season harvests.

Key Features

• Certified Organic Nova elderberries

• Height: 5–6' (up to 10' with closer spacing)

• Ripens: Early to mid-August

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–7

• Pollination: Self-fertile; best yields with a cross-pollinator like York

• Flowering: Blooms in June

• Soil Preference: Rich, well-drained

• Moisture Needs: Consistent first 2 years; drought-tolerant after

• Planting Seasons: Fall or early spring

• Mulch: Deep mulch at planting protects roots and holds moisture

Availability

Currently sold out for 2025.
Preorders open seasonally—join the list for early access.

Dormant canes ship in late spring. Live seedlings ship in early fall (very limited).