The vitamins and antioxidants that comes packed in a Sea buckthorn plant are simply unmatched. It is a powerhouse of so many health ingredients. And, without a doubt, we all are now well aware of its health benefits. However, there are several lesser-known aspects about growing and harvesting sea buckthorn that might surprise you.
In this blog, let’s explore some fascinating facts about this magical plant.
- Sea Buckthorn Plant is Dioecious in Nature
One of the most important things to know about sea buckthorn plant is that it’s dioecious, which means it requires both male and female plants to produce berries. So, when you are planning your kitchen garden, make sure to include at least one male plant for every few females to enjoy a bountiful harvest.
- Poor Soil is All That You Need for a Thriving Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn has a wonderful ability to grow in poor, nutrient-deficient soils. It flourishes well in sandy, rocky, or loamy soil, which makes it an ideal option for areas where other plants struggle to thrive. Further, it’s a great nitrogen fixer, similar to legumes, which means it improves the soil quality overtime. As a result, it is a perfect pick for regenerative agriculture or sustainable gardening practices.
- It’s a Highly Drought-Tolerant Plant
Sea buckthorn doesn’t come with many conditions. It can grow well in poor soil conditions; however, the plant requires regular watering during its first year to establish strong roots. Once they mature, they become incredibly drought-tolerant. It is best for regions where water conservation is important.
- Harvesting Can Be Tricky
Late summer to early fall is the best time to enjoy ripened sea buckthorn berries. However, harvesting these berries is quite tricky because of their small size and thorny branches. One thing you can do here is just freeze the branches before harvesting. This is a good and tried method, which makes it easier to remove the berries from the branches by simply shaking them off and without any damage to the plant.
- The Plant Comes with Impressive Pest and Disease Resistance
Sea buckthorn is a low-maintenance addition to any garden because of its high resistance to pests and diseases. While there can be some occasional issues, overall, it can be managed easily with simple remedies. It is a hardy, self-sustaining plant.
- A Multifunctional Plant
Not just for its nutritional benefits, sea buckthorn is also commonly used as a windbreak or erosion control plant because of its sturdy nature and ability to stabilize soil. It has an impressive root system that helps prevent soil erosion while its thorny branches act as a safe haven for wildlife.
In this way, the above-mentioned pointers make it very clear that growing and harvesting sea buckthorn is a rewarding experience, both health and maintenance wise. This versatile plant is worth adding to any garden.