In Elk Grove, elderberries usually ripen from late July through September, with most of the crop in August and early September. The main variable is the type of elderberry you have.
UC Davis and UC ANR field trials in the Sacramento Valley found that blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea, the native California species) has the longest harvest window, from about mid-June to late September. Its clusters ripen unevenly, so you can pick over several weeks. The American elderberry cultivars trialed there had a shorter window, roughly one month in August. The UC ANR California elderberries page compares the two.
To tell when a cluster is ready, look for berries that are deep purple-black, with the cluster drooping under the weight. Clusters often ripen over 5 to 15 days, so check the plant every few days. Pick only fully dark berries. Green or red berries, along with stems and leaves, are not safe to eat raw, and cooking the ripe berries is the usual practice. Birds often reach the fruit first, so netting helps if you want the harvest.
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