Description
Sea Buckthorn is not well known in South Africa, but due to its many medicinal properties and nutrients, especially the very scarce Omega 7, there is a large growing demand.
Sea buckthorn berries are small, round, and vibrant orange in color. They are packed with nutrients, including vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin E), minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fatty acids. The berries have a unique tart and tangy flavor, which is often described as a blend of citrus and tropical notes.
They do require cross-pollination; more than one plant is required. We do not know whether they are male or female, so we recommend buying 3 Sea Buckthorn;
The sea buckthorn berries are exceptionally high in vitamin C, E and B groups, carotenoids, biotin and folic acids. They also contain a unique combination of calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and all four omega fatty acids – Omega-3, -6, -7 and -9.
The berries can improve eyesight, fight the signs of ageing and prevent infections.
The leaves and flowers can treat gastrointestinal ulcers, rashes, and gout; improve blood pressure; lower cholesterol and treat arthritis. Make tea with the leaves for an excellent source of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
The fruit of Askola cultivar of sea buckthorn is aromatic but acidic and sour, similar to lemons. In Northern Europe, sea buckthorn is often served with fish because of its similar sharpness to lemon.
It can be eaten raw, made into juice: The juice can be mixed with lukewarm water and consumed twice a day. It can also be added to sparkling white wine to make “sea bucks fizz” or lemonade to make a cordial. The berries can be mixed with apple or grape juice to reduce their astringency.
The fruit can be used to make condiments like jam, marmalade, syrups, and sauces. It also goes in ice creams, sorbets, compotes, and fruit leather where the juice is simmered down to a thick syrup, combined with hawthorn berry pulp, and spread thinly onto greaseproof paper, and dried in a dehydrator or oven.
Position
Plant your sea buckthorn bushes in full sun, about a metre apart from one another (more than one plant is required so that they can cross-pollinate). They will not fruit in the shade.
Size
The sea buckthorn is a large, thorny shrub that makes a great hedge. They can reach between 2 and 4 metres high.
Fertilising
Add good organic matter, compost, or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting as this will improve the yield.
Soil Type
This plant isn’t fussy at all and can tolerate most soil types and climates.
Volcanic rock dust, which has organic minerals and trace elements to boost soil health and increase important micro-organisms.
Watering
Once your sea buckthorn is established, it is quite drought- and disease-tolerant. Berry plants prefer only the soil to be watered and not their leaves. If there has been no rain, ensure a good soak every 2 to 3 days once planted.
If they don’t get enough water after they’ve been planted, they may easily die.
Mulch
Opt for good organic mulch like wood chips, grass cuttings or old leaves.
Pruning
Moderate pruning will increase the yield and fruiting life of the plants. Remove overlapping branches and cut long branches to encourage the development of lateral shoots. Mature fruiting plants should be pruned to allow more light penetration.
