Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is one of those superplants you hear about from time to time. An extremely cold hardy and versatile species, it is capable of growing in nutrient-poor soil and is tolerant of drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for land reclamation and shelterbelt projects.  Sea-buckthorns require very little nitrogen input owing to their ability to fix nitrogen.  

The bright orange fruit produced on female plants contain more vitamin C than most citrus fruits, and are often used for various food products like syrups, smoothies, and juices.

Note that this species is dioecious, meaning that the male and female flowers grow on different shrubs and both are required for the females to bear fruit.  When grown from seed, you should get a good mix of both sexes.

Seed orders are shipped in the fall (November).

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Seed Source(s): Hungary

Collection Year: 2020

Hardiness (Canada): 3

Seed Storage:  Refrigerate dry seeds in plastic bag for long term storage.

Germination Instructions: Sea buckthorn requires cold stratification for germination.

Soak stored seeds in water for 24 hours, then drain and mix them with slightly moist peat moss and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 90 days.

Alternatively they can be direct sown outdoors in the fall where nature performs the cold stratification for you. This option requires more protection from rodents and other creatures!