Altaiskaya Sea Buckthorn (Female)

History: Altaiskaya sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) was created in 1981 at the Lisavenko Research Institute in Altai Krai, a federal subject of Russia. The variety name 'Altai' likely comes from the region while the suffix 'skaya' denotes being from somewhere (ie. from Altai) and adds a feminine form. 

Why We Grow It: Altaiskaya produces large berries with an excellent sweet flavour. The large yields combined with relatively few thorns makes this a good variety for harvesting by hand. It can be used for preserves and baking, and is a good option for juice due to the large fruit.

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3

Soil Preference: Prefers clay loam but adaptable to different soil types

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Shrub reaches about 1.5m tall, produces heavy crops. Resistant to disease.

Thorns: Yes but relatively few compared to other varieties

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Requires a male plant for pollination in order to produce fruit

Flowering Time: May

Bloom Colour: Yellowish-white

Ripens: Mid August to early September

Storage: Keeps up to two weeks in the fridge

Recommended Use: Cooking, baking, jam, wine, juice, tea

Size: 1 year plant in 3" pot, ~30cm above soil