Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), proposed by Akène

?? A robust shrub with vitamin-rich fruits and multiple benefits ??

Sea buckthorn is a thorny perennial shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height . It is recognizable by its narrow grayish-green leaves , which give it a unique silvery hue , and its clusters of orange berries , abundant from mid-summer until autumn .

?? Extremely resistant , it withstands extreme cold, drought and poor soils , while playing an essential ecological role:
? Nitrogen fixer , it naturally improves soil fertility .
? Its dense root network limits erosion , ideal for sloping terrain .
? Its nutrient-rich berries feed birds at the end of the season .

?? Sea buckthorn is dioecious : you need a male plant and a female plant to produce fruit. Since it is impossible to distinguish the sex of the seedlings , it is recommended to plant 3 or 4 to ensure production.

Characteristics of the variety

?? Flowering : April to May
?? Height : 500 cm
?? Spacing : 400 cm
?? Exposure : Sun, partial shade (best fruiting in full sun)
?? Life cycle : Perennial
?? Soil type : Sandy to loamy, well drained
?? Soil moisture content : Medium
?? Deer Resistance : High
?? Seeds per packet : 25

Sowing and cultivation

?? Sowing depth : 5 mm
?? Germination time : 20 days
?? Cold stratification : 60 to 90 days
? Scarification : Gentle sanding then soaking

?? Indoor method (recommended for better germination) :
1?? Lightly rub the seeds between two sheets of fine sandpaper to weaken their envelope.
2?? Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours .
3?? Mix them with moist vermiculite and place them in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for 60 to 90 days .
4?? After stratification, sow 5 mm deep in well-drained potting soil.
5?? Do not let seedlings dry out during establishment.

?? Outdoor method :
?? Sow directly in the fall for natural stratification during the winter.
?? Water lightly until seedlings are established .

?? Replanting :
?? When the first true leaves appear, transplant into individual pots .
?? Grow in pots for the entire first season , then transplant into open ground in the fall .

?? First fruiting after 3 to 4 years .

?? Warning – Dioecious plant

?? A male plant is needed to pollinate female plants .
?? A male can pollinate up to 6 females .
?? Since it is not possible to distinguish the sex of the seedlings, it is recommended to plant several plants .

Medicinal and culinary uses

?? An exceptional superfood

• Ultra-vitamin berries : 10 times more vitamin C than citrus fruits!
• Rich in antioxidants, omega-7, vitamins A and E.
• Excellent for the immune system and skin health .

?? How to consume sea buckthorn berries?

• Juice or smoothies : Blend with apples or oranges to soften the acidity.
• Jams and syrups : Their tangy taste adds a unique touch.
• Sauces for meat or fish : For a fruity and tangy note.
• Sea buckthorn oil : Used in cosmetics for its regenerative properties.

?? Recipe: Sea buckthorn and honey jam

?? Ingredients :

• 500 g sea buckthorn berries
• 250 g of honey
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 100 ml of water

?? Preparation :
1?? Heat the berries with the water over low heat for 15 minutes .
2?? Add the honey and lemon juice.
3?? Let simmer for 10 more minutes , then mix.
4?? Pour into sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator.

?? Delicious on bread, pancakes or as an accompaniment to yogurt!

Ecological roles and utilities

?? A natural nitrogen fixer : Improves soil fertility and promotes the growth of neighboring plants.
?? A food source for wildlife : Its berries are a feast for birds in late summer.
??? A powerful soil stabilizer : Its deep roots prevent erosion on sandy or sloping land.
?? Ultra-resistant : Tolerates drought, intense cold and poor soils .

Companion plants

?? Eleagnus, Saskatoon berry, Blackcurrant, Elderberry

Enemy plants

?? None known

Why grow sea buckthorn?

?? An ultra-resistant shrub with nutritious fruits
?? An excellent nitrogen fixer to enrich the soil
?? A food source for wildlife and a soil stabilizer
?? Versatile berries in cooking and natural medicine

?? Add sea buckthorn to your garden to enjoy an ecological, resistant and vitamin-rich crop!