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Elderflower season is here: When to pick the blooms and how to make cordial

Name: Elderflower season is here: When to pick the blooms and how to make cordial
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 kg Granulated sugar; 1 litre boiling water; 50 g citric acid or juice 2 large lemons; zest of 2 large lemons; 15 elderflower heads, stalks removed

Pick elderflowers in late May to June when they are at their most fragrant

By Alison WalkerUpdated: 20 May 2026

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It's the beginning of elderflower picking season when elder trees/shrubs, found in hedgerows, woodland and gardens, burst into flower.

Savour the short elderflower season by using the delicate and sweet flavour of these creamy-white flower heads in beverages and bakes.

When is the best time to pick elderflowers?

Gather elderflower heads on a sunny, dry morning (before the insects harvest the flowers’ pale yellow pollen) as their aroma fades by the afternoon. Expect to see elderflowers (Sambucus nigra, or common elder) flowering from May to June with exact timings depending on the weather. A mild winter should make for a bumper crop come late spring.

Tips for picking elderflowers

• Find elder trees that aren't by a busy road and avoid flowers lower down that dogs or foxes may have peed on.

• They are best picked when the buds are freshly open on a warm, dry, sunny day away from traffic fumes. Wait for the tiny flowers to fully open, making sure they haven't turned brown.

• Avoid any that smell of urine, the smell means they’re past their best.

• Snip off the flower heads using scissors or secateurs with as little stalk as possible so the plant is not damaged.

• Before using, pick off any insects but don't run the flowers under the tap or you'll wash the natural yeasts off.

• If foraging for elderflowers, always seek permission from the land owner (never picking blooms from protected land such as a nature reserve) and follow the foraging code of conduct.

How to make elderflower cordial

Traditional elderflower cordial uses just a few ingredients including fresh elderflowers, water, lemon juice and water and the coming weeks are a great time to make your elderflower cordial recipe at home with freshly picked flowers.

TOP TIP: Try to make this elderflower cordial recipe within a couple of hours of picking the flowers for the best results.

Want to try some other elderflower recipes? We love:Fluffy homemade elderflower marshmallows Elderflower cheesecake Homemade elderflower liqueur recipe

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Yields:

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

15 mins

Ingredients

1 kg Granulated sugar
1 litre boiling water
50 g citric acid or juice 2 large lemons
zest of 2 large lemons
15 elderflower heads, stalks removed

Directions

1. Step 1Put the sugar in a bucket or large bowl with the boiling water and stir to dissolve. Add the citric acid or lemon juice and the lemon zest.
2. Step 2 Shake the elderflowers to remove any insects and add the flowers to the sugar syrup. Cover and leave to stand for 1-2 days, stirring morning and night.
3. Step 3 Strain the elderflower cordial through muslin and decant into sterilised bottles. It’s now ready to use.
4. Step 4Add to water and ice for a refreshing, long drink or top up with Prosecco or Champagne for a summer fizz.