Germinating Elderberry - Black Lace Seeds

Hi, I'm a newbe to this forum. I have some Blace Lace Elderberry seeds and I'm not sure if they need any pre treatment before planting. I not really sure of how they should be planted. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I don't think that one will come true from seed. It's always fun sowing things anyway to see what you come up with, but if you want the real 'Black Lace' then you'll have to buy it from a nursery (it's a patented plant, so you're not allowed to propagate it from cuttings without a license...propagating it from seed doesn't violate the patent because the seedlings won't be 'Black Lace').

For some reason (foolishness probably), I assumed that the 'cannot propagate' from cuttings was only for folks looking to sell the plant. But, if I understand you correctly, you simply cannot propagate it for any reason (even if it is just for personal use)?

Asexual propagation (cuttings, grafting, etc) is prohibited regardless of whether you're doing it for yourself or to sell. Of course if you're just doing a cutting or two for yourself or a few friends, chances are the owner of the patent isn't going to find out about it, but technically it's illegal.

Thanks for the feedback. I always like to try to grow new plants from seeds. I really don't want to do anything illegal.

They are *beautiful* plants, though, and I believe they grow fairly quickly. I've ordered 2 that should arrive this spring; I can see why you'd want to grow them. If I were you, I'd try the seeds and just see what you get!