How to Grow Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a medicinal plant that grows throughout Asia and many parts of Europe. The berries on the sea buckthorn are prized for the high amount of vitamins and nutrients found in them. This plant is extremely winter-hardy and can be grown in areas other plants won't grow, such as soils with a high salt content.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• 0-10-10 fertilizer
• Blanket
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Choose an area in your yard that has full sun and well-drained soil. The sea buckthorn needs both to survive. Dig a hole for the sea buckthorn as deep as the root ball and three times as wide. Place the tree into the hole and fill the hole with soil.

2. Water the sea buckthorn at times when there is no rainfall. Provide 1 inch of water every two to three weeks.

3. Apply 0-10-10 fertilizer to the sea buckthorn twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Apply 1 lb. of fertilizer to the tree and water the soil well afterwards.

4. Harvest the berries on the sea buckthorn once they are fully grown and bright orange. Place a blanket or tarp on the ground under the tree and shake the branches until the berries fall off. Wear gloves when handling the tree, as it has thorns.

References

• Institute for Traditional Medicine: Sea Buckthorn
• Saskatchewan Fruit Growers Association: Growing Sea Buckthorn