SEA-BUCKTHORN          A - MARI          PRODUCTS          GALLERY          FORUM    

                     ->Sea-buckthorn     ->Medical qualities     ->Cultivation     ->How a sea-buckthorn shrub works     Links    

  HOW A SEA-BUCKTHORN SHRUB WORKS
Sea-buckthorn is anemophilous, therefore the fertility is much boosted by dry and windy weather during the blooming period. According to the generally accepted planting scheme, the distance between male plants should be 12-16 m, since a male plant can effectively pollenize as far as 6-8 m. Buds open between April 20 and May 14, usually between May 1-8.

The blooming period usually starts on the 10th-14th day after the buds have opened, usually around May 14-18, differences in breeds are minimal. Blooming culminates around May 19-24 - that is when 75% of male blooms and most of female blooms are open. On around May 25-27 the blooming period ends. The 2-3-day difference in the blooming time of male and female blooms does not affect fertility considerably, although the best time for fertilization is on the 3rd-4th day after the female blooms open.

 
There are two intensive growth periods during the development of the berries - the first one in the beginning of July and the other one in August. Therefore one must not rush into harvesting the berries too soon.

In case of a warm autumn, the anthers may develop too early and should a harsh winter follow, the male plants may not be able to efficiently pollenize due to frost-bite.

Harvesting should take place between August 20 and September 30.
 
Sõmerpalu Manor, Sõmerpalu, Võrumaa 66601, Estonia, tel: +372 509 1069, fax: +372 789 6341, e-mail: astelpaju@astelpaju.ee