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Indigo Gem Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Bob Gordon Elderberry
Lonicera caerulea Indigo Gem
Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
Indigo Gem Haskap produces firm, sweet/tangy berries. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Indigo Gem Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, freezing, baking, and preserves.
The fruit is similar in size and firmness to the Tundra variety, making it suitable for commercial production or your home garden.
For optimal fruit production, cross-pollination is required. Haskaps need to be planted with a compatible variety. Compatibility is influenced by both bloom time and genetics.
Indigo Gem Haskap is an early-pollinating variety that pairs well with Aurora and Honey Bee.
Bob Gordon Elderberry is a Black Elderberry cultivar that produces berries that are larger and sweeter than other varieties, making it one of the top cultivars. It produces large clusters of white flowers that turn into large clusters of dark purple to black berries. The berries are well-suited for baked goods, jams, jellies, and syrups. It was selected from the wild in Missouri.
The large berry clusters that the Bob Gordon Elderberry produces will often end up hanging downward. This makes it more difficult for birds to feed on the berries. If birds are a concern, this might be the right berry for you.
Black Elderberries are considered to be partially self-pollinating. So while they will still produce some berries without cross-pollination, planting with another variety will increase yields. Consider planting with Black Elderberry or Ranch Elderberry.
Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries are toxic to humans when eaten in quantity. Berries should be cooked to make them safe for human consumption.
Indigo Gem Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts
Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts
Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans