How to Grow Sea Buckthorn
Hippophae rhamnoides
Sea buckthorn is an extremely hardy, nitrogen-fixing shrub that thrives in poor soil and exposed coastal sites across the UK. You need both a male and a female plant within 15m for wind pollination and fruit production. The bright orange berries are exceptionally nutritious but very difficult to pick — the best method is to freeze branches then shake off the berries. Plant in full sun, avoid rich feeds which encourage excessive suckering, and install a root barrier as it spreads vigorously by suckers.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed — thrives in poor soil. Fixes its own nitrogen.
Watch For
- Generally pest-free
- Occasional scale insects
Companions
Wildflowers, Grasses, Clover
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential, thrives in exposed sites
Full sun is essential for fruiting. Extremely tolerant of exposed, coastal, and windy sites. Avoid shade.
Watering
Very drought-tolerant once established
Very drought-tolerant once established. Rarely needs watering except in the first year after planting.
Fertilizing
Rarely needed, fixes own nitrogen
Rarely needed — thrives in poor soil and fixes its own nitrogen. Avoid rich feeds which encourage excessive suckering.
Pruning
Late winter prune, control suckers, wear gloves
Prune in late winter. Remove dead wood and unwanted suckers. Wear thick gloves as stems are very thorny. Contain spread with a root barrier.
Harvesting
Freeze branches then shake off berries
Berries ripen August to September. Very difficult to pick individually — freeze branches then shake off berries, or snip whole clusters.
Growing Tips
Need male and female
Plant at least one male within 15m of female plants for wind pollination — without a male, you won't get berries.
Freeze then shake
Freeze harvested branches then shake off the berries — picking them individually is nearly impossible due to thorns.
Contain the suckers
Install a root barrier at planting to contain vigorous suckering; sea buckthorn spreads aggressively if unchecked.
Wear thick gloves
Wear thick gloves when pruning or harvesting — the thorns are vicious and can cause painful wounds.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Scale Insects
Identification: Small brown or grey waxy bumps on stems and branches; sticky honeydew and sooty mould
- Scrub off with a soft brush dipped in soapy water during winter
- Encourage ladybirds and parasitic wasps
- Plant oil-based winter wash applied to dormant stems
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green insects on young shoot tips; minor leaf curling
- Blast off with water — plants are robust enough to tolerate this
- Encourage natural predators
- Rarely needed; fatty acid spray if severe
Disease Verticillium Wilt Verticillium dahliae
Symptoms: Wilting and yellowing of leaves on individual branches; progressive dieback; brown streaking in wood when cut
Treatment: Prune out and destroy affected branches well below visible symptoms. Sterilise tools between cuts.
Prevention: Plant in well-drained soil. Avoid planting where susceptible crops (potatoes, tomatoes) have grown.
Disease Sea Buckthorn Scab Stigmina hippophaes
Symptoms: Dark spots on berries and leaves; fruit may crack or shrivel; reduced harvest quality
Treatment: Prune out affected growth. Improve air circulation within the canopy.
Prevention: Thin branches to improve airflow. Remove fallen debris. Choose resistant cultivars.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 195 cm |
| Row spacing | 400 cm |
| Mature height | 400 cm |
| Mature spread | 300 cm |
Extremely hardy. Nitrogen-fixing. Needs male plant within 15m for wind pollination. Thorny.
