Growing Information for Sea Buckthorn:
Position
Plant your sea buckthorn bushes in full sun. They need plenty of sunlight to grow well and produce a good crop and will fruit poorly, if at all, in shade.
Sea buckthorn plants are either male or female. You will need at least one male plant growing near your female plants for pollination and fruit production. Only the female plants produce berries. Wind carries the pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers, so plant them within reasonably proximity to one another.
Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 metres between plants if you are growing them as individual shrubs. You can plant them closer together if you are creating a hedge.
Size
Sea buckthorn is a vigorous, thorny shrub that makes an excellent hedge or screening plant. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, mature plants generally reach approximately 2 to 4 metres in height, with a similar spread.
The plants can also produce suckers and gradually form a dense thicket if these are not removed.
Soil
Sea buckthorn is extremely adaptable and will tolerate a wide range of soil types, including relatively poor, sandy and stony soils. However, good drainage is essential, as the plants do not like waterlogged conditions.
They generally prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil but will tolerate a fairly wide pH range.
When planting, add
volcanic rock dust, which has organic minerals and trace elements to boost soil health and increase important micro-organisms.Watering
Newly planted sea buckthorn bushes need regular watering while their root systems become established. If there has been no rain, water deeply and regularly rather than allowing the soil around the young plants to dry out completely.
Once established, sea buckthorn is remarkably drought-tolerant. However, occasional deep watering during prolonged hot, dry periods can help support healthy growth and fruit development.
Water around the base of the plant rather than over the foliage. Avoid constantly wet or waterlogged soil.
Mulching
Apply organic mulch to your berry plants all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertilising
Apply our slow-release all-plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need. Avoid
Sea buckthorn generally requires very little fertiliser because it is able to fix its own nitrogen. Avoid excessive applications of nitrogen-rich fertilisers, as these can encourage vigorous leafy growth rather than fruit production.
Sea buckthorn has a natural ability to fix nitrogen through its root system and generally performs well without large amounts of additional nitrogen.
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.
Pests and Diseases
Sea buckthorn is generally a hardy plant with relatively few serious pest or disease problems when grown under suitable conditions.
Aphids, mites and other sap-sucking insects may occasionally occur. If aphids or mites are present, first wash them off with a strong spray of water. Once the foliage has dried, treat with
Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control ) These products assist in either prevention or after the fact.
Practice good garden hygiene by removing fallen fruit, dead leaves, and diseased plant material.
Good drainage is particularly important. Constantly wet or waterlogged soil can contribute to root problems, while fungal diseases may occasionally develop during prolonged wet or humid conditions.
