Comparison of seed germination techniques for common elderberry (Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis)

Soaking common elderberry seeds (Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis (L.) R. Bolli [Caprifoliaceae]) in sulfuric acid followed by a 60-d stratification, or subjecting common elderberry seeds to a 60-d warm, moist treatment followed by a 90-d stratification, significantly increased seed germination of accession 9084126 common elderberry seeds. Stratification alone was less effective in promoting germination than was acid scarification followed by stratification or warm, moist treatment followed by stratification. Germination of common elderberry seeds soaked in hot water was not significantly different from the control treatment.