Mary Sea Buckthorn (Female)

Species: Hippophae rhamnoides

History: Mary sea buckthorn, aka Marija Bruvele, is a Latvian variety that was bred by professor of agriculture Andrejs Bruvelis as a cross between the female varieties Botanicheskaya Ljubitelskaya, Chuyskaya, and native male plants from the coastal area of the Baltic Sea. The goal was to create a variety better adapted to maritime climates. The berries are high in oil content so this variety tends to be grown commercially for oil production.

Why We Grow It: A prolific variety that holds onto berries well, prolonging harvest for 4-6 weeks. The berries have a milder flavour compared to other sea buckthorns with much lower acid content. They can be made into a sunshine yellow juice, best diluted 70% with water for a Canadian version of orange juice. It's also nearly thornless, which makes harvesting much easier.

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3

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

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Shrub reaches 4m when mature, produces good crops. No notable pests or diseases.

Thorns: Yes, but this variety is nearly thornless

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, but harvest can last 4-6 weeks since berries hang on well

Storage: Keeps up to two weeks in the fridge

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

Height Above Soil: