Description and characteristics of the 60 best sea buckthorn varieties, how to choose depending on the region

The vast selection of sea buckthorn varieties allows you to find the perfect combination of characteristics among the achievements of modern breeding, developed for a specific region, to satisfy even the most demanding gardener. It's important to carefully study the descriptions and characteristics of the best sea buckthorn varieties, considering their strengths and weaknesses. Then, growing this fruit plant will be a true pleasure, and the harvest will be enhanced and consistent.

Characteristics and description of varieties and cultivars of sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub or small tree of the Elaeagnaceae family, which is dioecious in nature.

Productive breeding efforts have made it possible to cultivate this unique crop in a variety of climates. The plant thrives in both the arid regions of the south and the cold latitudes of the north.

When choosing, it is important not to make a mistake with the variety and be guided by the following criteria:

• ripening period;
• yield indicator;
• frost resistance,
• taste characteristics of berries;
• fruit size;
• absence of thorns and spines.

Therefore, when purchasing seedlings, you should give preference to sea buckthorn varieties that take into account all the above criteria, and then a rich harvest of healthy fruits is guaranteed.

Early maturing crops

Early-ripening sea buckthorn varieties allow you to enjoy their healthy fruits as early as August. Harvesting can even begin as early as late July.

Vitamin

A tall shrub that forms a narrow crown. The branches are heavily ribbed. The large fruit, weighing 0.6 g, is noteworthy. The berries are distinguished by their round shape, orange color, and tart flavor.

The variety is productive and adapted to frost.

Sea buckthorn Vitaminnaya suffers from mycotic wilt.

Altai News

This shrub, which grows from 2.5 to 4.0 m in height, forms a round, branched crown. The branches are brown and thornless. The cultivar's value lies in its orange-yellow fruits, decorated with small blush spots. Each berry weighs 0.5 g. Beneath the thin skin lies the pulp, which is sweet with a slight tartness.

The harvest is impressive in quantity and quality. The plant is resistant to diseases such as fusarium and verticillium wilt.

Etna

A beautiful, tall bush with a branched crown and few thorns. Its orange-red fruits, weighing 0.8-0.9 g, have firm, sweet-tart flesh, making it popular among gardeners.

High productivity, early fruiting, good ability of the variety to withstand a range of environmental influences during the winter.

Resistance to mycotic drying and scab is at an average level.

Zakharovskaya

A low-growing tree with medium-branched shoots that mature to a light brown hue. The plant is adorned with small, green, leathery foliage that is slightly pubescent. Of particular interest are the 0.5-gram, oval-shaped yellow berries, which have a flavor that combines sweetness and tartness, as well as a refreshing aroma.

High productivity, the ability to withstand negative temperatures without damage during cold weather, and resistance to various types of infections and annoying insects are noted.

Vladimirka

A vigorous tree growing up to 3.5 m, forming a dense, spherical crown. The tips of the moderately thick, brown-green shoots are covered with thorns. The leaves are large, broadly lanceolate, richly green with a silvery sheen. The berries, weighing 0.4 g, delight with their orange hue and oval shape. The fruit's flavor is harmonious, with a hint of acidity and a hint of tartness.

The variety is winter-hardy, but produces fruits that are small and have a wet separation.

Mid-season varieties

Sea buckthorn varieties with a medium ripening period allow for the collection of healthy fruits over a long period of time.

Bonfire

A small tree with a sparsely branched crown, it bears brown branches, large berries weighing 0.9 g, and orange with a reddish tint. It is renowned for its flavor, which combines natural acidity, sweetness, and a refreshing aroma.

The variety exhibits high frost resistance, and its fruits are versatile. Koster also demonstrates resistance to infections and harmful insects.

Bead

This variety, with its vigorous, spreading growth habit and straight, medium-thick, light-green shoots, the upper part of which is covered with thorns, has earned a place in garden plots. The plants are adorned with green leaves, characterized by a matte, smooth finish. The orange fruits, weighing 0.5 g, are elongated and truncated-conical in shape, attract attention. The berries are enticing with their tart-sweet flavor.

This variety produces excellent yields. Fully ripe fruits have a dry peel.

The crop forms a high crown, which complicates its care and harvesting.

Fox

The "Fox" variety delights with its medium-sized shrub with a loosely spreading crown. The shoots are short, slightly curved, and brown. Its large, orange-red fruits, weighing 0.8 grams, make it particularly popular. Beneath the firm skin lies sweet, delicately flavored flesh.

The variety can withstand low temperatures and is not susceptible to dangerous diseases.

Late-ripening varieties

Sea buckthorn, a late-ripening variety, has a long growing season and is able to firmly hold ripe berries on the branches even when the first frosts arrive.

Lady fingers

A medium-sized bush with a spreading crown. The berries are large, weighing 1.0-1.3 g, orange in color, and have flesh with an unforgettable, balanced flavor.

Thanks to the dessert taste of large, dry-tearing fruits and resistance to a range of adverse conditions during the cold season, it is one of the most popular varieties.

There is weak resistance to such a pest as the sea buckthorn fly.

Yakhontovaya

The plant is a low-growing bush with a small number of short spines on the branches. The berries are broadly oval, red in color, weighing 0.9 g, and their unique flavor is delightful.

High yield percentage, ability to withstand winter without losses, low susceptibility to sea buckthorn fly.

Amber necklace

A medium-sized tree, reaching 2.5 m in height. The plant is adorned with upright branches and emerald-silver foliage. The fruits are impressively large, weighing 1.4-2 g. The long stem ensures a dry picking. The flesh is intriguingly juicy and firm. The fruits are popular among traditional healers due to their rich vitamin content.

The variety can withstand low temperatures, pest attacks and is not affected by fungi.

Baltic Surprise

This small tree, with its compact crown and minimal thorns, is a favorite among gardeners. Its spherical orange berries with red flecks have a thick skin. They are prized for their intriguing sweet and sour flavor and refreshing aroma. The berries are densely packed on the branches and do not fall off when overripe.

The harvest is easily transported and has a good shelf life if certain conditions are met.

The variety is not afraid of the vagaries of the weather, nor of infections and insects.

Large-fruited

Varieties from this group are characterized by large fruits, the weight of which varies from 0.7 to 1.5 g. The following varieties are considered record holders for large fruits.

Essel

A small, woody shrub with a spherical crown. It has few thorns. The orange fruits weigh 0.9-1.1 g. Beneath the thick skin lies sweet flesh with a dessert-like flavor.

A winter-hardy plant, it is practically not affected by diseases such as mycotic drying and scab.

Elizabeth

A dwarf shrub with a compressed crown that develops green foliage with a characteristic elongated shape. It is virtually thornless. The fruits are elongated, weighing 1 g. The flesh is dense, juicy, and has a unique dessert flavor.

The crop has gained popularity due to its large fruits, decorative properties, and high yield.

Elizabeth is very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity.

Augustine

A bush with a moderately spreading crown and single spines. The trunk is covered in black bark with yellow patches. The shoots are brown and medium in thickness. The foliage is narrow, lanceolate, and light green with a bluish tint. The fruits are orange, tart, and weigh 1.1 g.

The variety is particularly popular due to its large fruits, small number of thorns and moderate growth.

Openwork

A bush with a weak growth habit and a dense, compact crown. A distinctive feature of this variety is its thornlessness. The berries are cylindrical, orange, and weigh 1 g. The pulp is interesting, with an appealing sweet and sour flavor.

The variety requires little care and is almost not susceptible to pest infestation or fungal infection.

The best yielding varieties

Breeders have been fortunate to develop varieties that produce a rich harvest of vitamin-rich, delicious berries.

Nivelena

A medium-sized shrub with a pyramidal crown. The branches are adorned with thin, single spines. The berries, weighing 0.5-0.8 g, are oval, orange with a yellow hue, and have a balanced flavor.

The variety is resistant to any weather conditions and is resistant to insects and fungal diseases.

Chuiskaya

A deciduous shrub up to 3 m tall with a wide, spreading crown. The fruits are cylindrical, orange, and weigh 0.8-0.9 g. They are prized for their sweet and sour flavor and distinct, intriguing aroma.

The crop is undemanding regarding soil structure and easily tolerates harsh climates down to -45°C. It also exhibits minimal thorniness. The harvest tolerates transportation without loss.

Darling

A bush up to 2.5 m tall with a spherical crown, straight stems covered in thorns, and small, light-green, silver-sprayed foliage that tapers to a point. This variety captivates with its large, orange-colored, firm-skinned fruits, weighing 0.7 g, and distinctly sweet flesh.

The Favorite variety can be easily transported over long distances, demonstrates winter hardiness, and produces a high annual yield of large, healthy berries.

The plant is prone to shoots; when growing it, it is necessary to control the soil moisture and the presence of thorns, which make harvesting difficult.

Botanical

This small, spreading tree forms a pyramidal crown. Soft, dry thorns, sparsely spaced on the shoots, make the plant easy to care for. Large, glossy, dark green leaves are eye-catching. Ripe, oblong-shaped, orange fruits weigh 0.5-0.7 g and are covered in a firm skin. The flesh is juicy and slightly tart.

Resistance to various types of infections and annoying insects is noted.

Moscow beauty

A compact tree with thorns concentrated only at the top of its shoots. This variety is prized for its large berries, weighing 0.6-0.8 g. Their shape is elongated and round, and their color is dark orange. Beneath the thick skin lies juicy flesh with a tart flavor and a distinct aroma characteristic of the cultivar.

The variety successfully survives cold weather and resists pathogens.

Frost-resistant crops

Sea buckthorn is a Siberian crop, so frost resistance is considered a natural characteristic. Through selective breeding, varieties have been developed that boast this characteristic, as it is at the highest level.

Gift of Katun

The shrub, up to 2.7 m tall, forms a spherical crown that is moderately dense. It has few thorns. The fruits are orange and round, weighing 0.7 g.

The variety successfully withstands frost and is immune to infectious diseases.

Trofimovskaya

This compact shrub, up to 4-5 m tall, has a branched, pyramidal crown. The stems are virtually thornless. It produces berries that are notable for their large size, weighing up to 0.7 g. The orange coloring of the fruit, with raspberry spots, is eye-catching. The tart flesh is juicy and mildly aromatic.

The variety is able to withstand both winter cold and early spring frosts, which can have a detrimental effect on many crops.

Golden ear

A fruit-bearing shrub growing 4-6 m tall. The branched branches of the continuous crown are covered with a sparse amount of thorns. The bush is adorned with narrow, light-green foliage. The fruits are golden-orange with a blushed side, weighing 0.5 g and borne in dense clusters. When eaten, they leave a pleasant aftertaste due to a delicate acidity.

A variety with high productivity, transportability, and the ability to successfully withstand harsh winters.

Botanical hobby

A medium-sized tree, growing up to 4 meters in height. The plant's pyramidal crown consists of shoots covered with large, light-green foliage. Ripe berries are orange with a yellow tint, oval in shape. The pulp has a pleasant flavor and aroma, reminiscent of pineapple.

The variety is productive, resistant to cold and drought, and is not affected by diseases.

Thornless species

The advantages of thornless sea buckthorn varieties include ease of harvesting, which requires no protective clothing. Thornless plants also look more compact and attractive.

Altai

A shrub with a flexible, lush crown that can be easily shaped. It reaches 3-4 meters in height, with smooth, elastic branches. Young shoots have a silvery hue. The fruits are oval, weighing up to 1 g. The flesh is firm and sweet.

A variety with excellent taste characteristics, frost-resistant, undemanding in terms of soil composition and care, and easy to transport.

Needs constant watering and pollination.

Solar

A small bush with a branched crown. The stems are completely thornless. The leaves are large and lanceolate. The berries, weighing 0.7 g, have a sweet and tart flavor.

Early fruiting, winter hardiness, and adaptation to dry weather make this plant's fruits versatile and considered valuable medicinal raw materials.

Giant

A mature tree reaches 3.5 m in height. The branches are strong, moderately thick, and covered with brownish-gray bark. The leaves are narrow, boat-shaped, and green. The orange fruits weigh 1.2 g. The pulp is tart, with a sweet-sour taste when eaten.

The variety's popularity is due to its ability to withstand sub-zero temperatures, large fruit size, transportability, and resistance to fungi.

The seedlings grow slowly and the yield is average.

Girlfriend

A medium-sized variety with a sparsely branched crown composed of straight, thin, thornless stems. Ripe fruits weigh 1 g and are round. The skin is thin, and the flesh has a slightly tart flavor.

The variety is adapted to sudden temperature fluctuations and is in demand due to the versatility of its berries.

The bushes of the plant are the center of accumulation of sea buckthorn flies.

Chechek

A medium-sized variety with a loose, branched crown. The medium-thick branches are slightly drooping at the base and have few thorns. The fruits weigh 1 g and are orange in color. The flesh has a sweet and sour taste.

An early-maturing variety that produces a bountiful harvest. It begins bearing fruit only in the fifth year after planting.

Low-growing species of sea buckthorn

In low-growing sea buckthorn species, the bush grows no more than 2-2.5 m, which significantly simplifies harvesting and facilitates the care of the crop.

Ryzhik

A low-growing variety with a branched crown. The upright shoots are matte, moderately long, brown in color, and pubescent. The dark, red-tinged berries weigh between 0.6 and 0.8 g.

The variety tolerates sudden temperature changes and is immune to dangerous diseases. The crop is easy to transport.

It has low yield and a long growing season.

Galerite

This low-growing shrub, 2 meters tall, has a branched crown. It produces large, round berries weighing 0.8 grams. Their orange color is eye-catching. The flesh is juicy, meaty, and has a tart-bitter flavor.

The plant tolerates low temperatures and dry periods well. The fruits are versatile. They ripen late and produce a medium yield.

Bayan-Gol

A small tree no more than 1.2 m tall. Its compact, sparse crown consists of thornless branches. The orange berries weigh 0.6 g. The pulp has an excellent sweet and sour flavor.

The variety demonstrates resistance to diseases and pests. Low yield.

Thumbelina

A small tree, distinguished by its compact crown and minimal thorns. The fruits are medium-sized, weighing up to 0.7 g, and dark orange in color. The berries' flavor is balanced with a combination of sweetness, acidity, and a distinct tartness.

The variety is winter-hardy, resistant to various infections, and boasts intense and abundant fruiting.

The sweetest and juiciest varieties

The group of delicious, sweet dessert varieties includes Zhemchuzhnitsa and Lyubimaya.

Pearl oyster

A compact, attractive tree growing up to 2.5 m tall. Its oval-shaped crown and straight shoots, characterized by their slender, light-brown coloring and sparse spines, make this variety highly sought after. Its orange, broadly oval fruits, weighing 0.7 g, with sweet flesh and a refreshing aroma, are also popular.

The crop is early-bearing, frost-resistant, and famous for its berries, which are distinguished by their sweetness and aroma.

Average tolerance to prolonged dry periods.

Darling

A medium-sized crop that produces tasty, medium-sized, orange-colored berries with flesh rich in carotene.

The variety easily survives adverse conditions during the cold period and is not afraid of diseases or pests.

Male varieties

Sea buckthorn is a dioecious plant pollinated by the wind. Female plants bear fruit, while male plants produce pollen. Therefore, to ensure consistent harvests, it is recommended to plant male plants upwind of female varieties.

Aley

This vigorous plant boasts a strong crown, thornless shoots with large buds and shortened internodes. Flower buds are resilient, and the flowering process lasts a long time.

When growing, it is important to take into account that the plant produces a lot of shoots.

Dwarf

A moderately vigorous shrub reaching 2.0-2.5 m in height, it develops a compact crown and long roots located close to the soil surface. The plant is adorned with large, dark green foliage.

It serves as an excellent pollinator for female varieties, significantly increasing yields. The variety is frost-tolerant and resistant to infectious diseases and pests.

The gnome is sensitive to temperature fluctuations during flowering.

Orange

There are several varieties with berries that have a bright orange color.

Ayaganga

A medium-sized shrub with a compact, spherical crown. It produces large, barrel-shaped, orange-colored berries weighing 0.6 g and boasting a harmonious sweet and sour flavor.

The ability of flower buds to withstand spring frosts is observed.

Sayan

The compact appearance and small stature of this shrub have attracted the attention of gardeners. This cultivar is renowned for its bright orange fruits with a reddish bloom on the surface. Each berry weighs 0.6 g. The flesh is juicy, sweet, and slightly tart.

Lights of the Yenisei

This fast-growing, uniquely shaped shrub produces gray-brown shoots with short, dark spines at the base. The orange-hued fruits weigh 0.6 g and have a medium-thick skin. The pulp's balanced flavor is a combination of sweetness and acidity, with a refreshing aroma.

Red-fruited

Among the well-known varieties of sea buckthorn with red berries, the following stand out.

Red Torch

The bush is low-growing and spreading. The fruits, weighing 0.7 g, are bright red. They are arranged in large clusters along the trunk on a long stalk, ensuring a dry separation.

The variety captivated gardeners with its unusually delicate taste and subtle aroma.

Red-fruited

A fast-growing, luxurious bush with shoots entirely covered in thorns. This variety produces ripe red berries weighing 0.7 g. The skin is medium thick. The long stem allows for a dry detachment of the fruit. The flavor is tart and the aroma is delicate.

Siberian blush

The bush is medium-sized and branched. The plant produces thick, straight, brown shoots with single spines. The foliage is large and green. The berries are thin-skinned, weighing 0.7 g, and are glossy red. When eaten, the dense pulp reveals a sweet and sour taste and a subtle aroma.

Lemon green

A sea buckthorn variety with lemon-green berries will appeal to gardeners who value both harvest and unique garden design. There is also a variety called "Elochka," which is considered ornamental.

Christmas tree

An exotic sea buckthorn that can enhance any home yard. This ornamental plant is low-growing and conical in shape, tapering toward the crown. Branches with pointed leaves point in different directions, giving the plant a fir-tree-like appearance. It produces small, tart, lemon-green berries.

Other varieties

There are many hybrids that are distinguished by large fruits, excellent yield, decorative bush shape, absence of thorns, formation of shoots, and the level of adaptation to climate and soil.

Reports of self-fertile varieties are becoming increasingly common. Most gardeners are wary of this news, and rightly so, as self-pollinating fruit crops are considered a myth that has become widespread.

Excellent

The bush is small and spherical. The shoots are green, dark brown at the base with a whitish coating, and thornless. The fruits are orange, sweet and sour, and average 0.7 g in weight.

If you don't provide the crop with care and attention, the berries will be attacked by sea buckthorn flies, and the leaves will be destroyed by spider mites.

Aley

A pollinator variety. Sterile. A fast-growing shrub with a dense crown and thornless stems. Flower buds are cold-resistant, characterized by a long flowering period, and produce viable pollen.

Ruet

A low-growing shrub with a compact crown. The shoots are straight and green. The thorns are located at the tips of the branches. This cultivar is prized for its juicy, orange-colored berries, each weighing 0.7 g. Beneath the medium-thick skin lies a sweet and sour pulp with a delicate aroma.

The variety is able to withstand low temperatures without loss.

Hikul

An ornamental shrub with a compact, round crown reaching up to 1.8 m in height. The branches grow upright, and young shoots are silvery-gray, turning gray-brown with age. The plant is adorned with silvery-green leaves that remain the same color throughout the season. It does not produce fruit.

Ulala

The cultivar grows as a multi-stemmed bush with a compressed crown of moderate density. Thorns are few. The berries are medium-sized, red-orange, and sweet-tart in flavor.

Lomonosovskaya

A medium-sized plant that actively develops a compact crown. The shoots have a small number of single spines, evenly spaced along their entire length. The berries, weighing 0.6 grams, are orange with a similarly colored spot at the base. The flesh is juicy, tender, and has a sweet-tart flavor.

A high-yielding crop. The fruit's characteristics allow it to be transported over long distances without loss. As the plant ages, it requires crown height restriction.

Buckthorn

A branched, thorny tree with gray bark, growing to 3-5 meters in height. This variety is popular for its glossy red, yellow, or orange berries, which are spherical in shape and have juicy flesh with a unique flavor and aroma.

Beam

A moderately vigorous tree with a round, medium-density crown. Fruits are orange with a red tint, weighing 1.1 g, with tart flesh.

Pineapple

The bush is compact and can grow up to 3 meters in height. It is characterized by long, straight, weakly spined shoots and bright orange fruits with a red spot at the top. The berries are loved for their juicy, tender flesh.

The variety is not affected by fungi, is winter-hardy and undemanding to soil structure.

Inya

A multi-stemmed shrub with a sparse, spreading crown. Large berries weighing 0.9 g each are eye-catching, red-orange in color with a fuzzy blush, and the flesh has a sweet-tart flavor with a refreshing aroma.

The variety has excellent winter hardiness.

Augusta

The shrub grows moderately and forms a beautiful, neat crown. The shoots have few thorns. The fruits are bright orange with thin skin. The stalk is long and easy to peel. The flesh is tender, juicy, and has a sweet and sour flavor.

The variety is large-fruited, weakly thorny, and productive.

Pepper

A medium-sized, spreading bush with shoots that have few thorns. The 0.6g fruits are orange and shiny, set on a long stalk that ensures a dry picking. They have a tart flavor with a pineapple aroma.

A variety with average yield and increased winter hardiness.

What to choose depending on the region

When choosing a sea buckthorn variety for your garden, you need to consider the climatic features and weather conditions of the region where the crop will grow.

For the Moscow region

Sea buckthorn varieties for the Moscow region must be adapted to the region's conditions, with fluctuating winter temperatures and sometimes dry summers. These varieties include:

• Moscow beauty;
• A gift in the garden;
• Muscovite;
• Nivelena.

These varieties will thrive in the Moscow region, where there are unexpected thaws and a lack of snow, but will not grow at all in the hot summers or harsh winters of the Urals.

For the Urals and Siberia

Many varieties of garden sea buckthorn have been developed using wild Siberian fruit. However, the climate and soil conditions in these regions are unsuitable for their cultivation. Through selective breeding, varieties have been developed whose characteristics allow them to be grown in areas with challenging conditions.

These include:

• Altai;
• Giant;
• Inya;
• Nugget.

These varieties will allow residents of Siberia and the Urals to enjoy the taste of healing berries.

For the middle zone

The following varieties are considered productive for the middle zone:

• Chuiskaya;
• Golden Cob;
• Abundant;
• Pepper.

These are reliable varieties of the crop that will grow and develop fully in these areas and produce a harvest of orange berries characterized not only by quality but also by quantity.

For the Northwest

In these areas you can grow:

• Moscow pineapple;
• Otradnaya;
• Golden Cob;
• Gift of Katun.

Moreover, these varieties of sea buckthorn are less thorny and have long stems. This allows for quick harvesting without the risk of injury from the thorny stems.