Bob Gordon Elderberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Bob Gordon Elderberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Bob Gordon Elderberry
Sebastien Gooseberry

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.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety that produces medium-sized, red gooseberries. When the berries are fully ripe they are quite sweet and great for fresh eating. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge. For baking and preserves, they are often picked when under-ripe when they are firm and tart. The general harvest period is anywhere from July to September.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a Canadian variety that was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station in Ottawa.

Gooseberries are self-pollinating but planting with another variety will increase yields.

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $12.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: black
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Harvest: late July to September
Flowers: fragrant, white
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: low



Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans

Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Other Names: bob gordon american elderberry, bob gordon black elderberry