Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a deciduous shrub known for its bright orange, nutrient-rich berries. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants.

Starting Plants

Sea Buckthorn can be propagated from seeds, softwood cuttings, or purchased as bare-root or container-grown plants. Seeds require cold stratification for 90 days before planting. Plant Sea Buckthorn in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Both male and female plants are needed for fruit production.

Planting Time

Plant container-grown or bare-root Sea Buckthorn in early spring, 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Space plants 6-10 feet apart, depending on the variety.

Harvesting

Sea Buckthorn typically begins producing fruit 3-5 years after planting. Berries are ready to harvest in late summer to fall when they have turned bright orange. The berries are firmly attached to the branches and are often harvested by cutting entire fruit-bearing branches and freezing them, which makes the berries easier to remove. Sea Buckthorn plants can produce fruit for 20 years or more with proper care.

Seed Harvesting

To harvest Sea Buckthorn seeds, mash ripe berries and separate the seeds from the pulp. Rinse the seeds and allow them to dry before storing in a cool, dry place.

Commonly Grown Varieties

Some popular Sea Buckthorn varieties include:

• Leikora: A German variety with large, flavorful berries and good disease resistance.
• Hergo: A German variety with high yields and large, orange berries.
• Titan: A Russian variety with large berries and good disease resistance.

Culinary Uses

Sea Buckthorn berries have a tart, acidic flavor and are high in vitamin C, carotenoids, and other nutrients. They are often used in processed products:

• Sea Buckthorn juice: Press fresh berries for a tart, nutrient-rich juice.
• Sea Buckthorn jam: Cook berries with sugar and pectin for a flavorful, spreadable jam.
• Sea Buckthorn sauce: Simmer berries with sugar and spices for a sauce to pair with meat or desserts.
• Sea Buckthorn oil: Extract oil from the berries and seeds for use in culinary and cosmetic applications.
• Sea Buckthorn tea: Steep dried berries in hot water for a healthy, vitamin-rich tea.