Description
Description
Sea buckthorn is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia, with silvery foliage and some thorns (more and larger thorns on wild seed, less on cultivated varieties). It’s hardy to at least -40º C and can grow in practically pure sand. It’s a nitrogen fixer (related to the Elaeagnus which fix nitrogen with Frankia) which is one of the main reasons it’s planted. The other benefit of sea buckthorn is that it produces numerous bright orange, sour berries. These berries are very juicy and are often processed into drinks. The seeds are also very high in oil and proteins.
Sea buckthorn is dioecious (two-sexed) – so male and female plants must both be planted to ensure fruit.
So far we have noticed sea buckthorn seems to grow relatively slowly for a nitrogen fixer in New Zealand conditions (at least in the South island) – but we believe with the right selection it will be a fantastic food forest plant in New Zealand.
These seeds come from a mixture of high quality European varieties selected for larger fruits with better taste and have been freshly imported after they were cold stratified. These varieties are much more palatable than the tiny, extremely sour wild berries.
Seeds per packet: 10
Germination Instructions
The seeds have already been cold stratified and should be hydrated for 24-48 hours upon receipt, and then planted into moist, extremely free draining soil and kept warm. Warm water soaking may increase germination speed.
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