Hippophae rhamnoides 'Altayskaya' (female Sea Buckthorn) grows up to 5 feet tall. Like most recent Russian selection, 'Altayskaya' is almost thornless. Its berries are considered to be the sweetest (9.7 % of sugar)! Which also makes them more susceptible to bird attacks. They are also the highest in oil content (7% of its weight). 'Alayskaya' is the best cultivar to make juice as it offers the best juice consistency. Perhaps its high oil percentage prevents particles and liquid from separating more easily. The fruit is fairly high in vitamin C (98mg/100g) and carotene (18mg/100g). Less vigorous than 'Klavdija' and 'Chuyskaya', it produces up to 13t/ha and its fruits weigh 0,75g (75g/ 100 fruits). Altaiskaya Sea Buckthorn Berries are the sweetest and offer exceptional flavour. They are best used for juice blends but also ideal for making jellies, purees, juices, and sauces. Due to its high oil, vitamin C and carotene contents, this variety is also used in dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and skin care products. Female plants require a male species nearby to produce fruit. Typical orchards have 1 male for every 7 female plants. 'Gnom' (early-mid season) and 'Pollmix' (mid-season) are recommended as pollinators. In zone 5a, 'Altayskaya' is an early to mid-season variety. It blooms for 2 weeks in early to mid-May depending on the season. Orange berries and attractive greyish green foliage make this edible plant a beautiful landscape addition in the fall and winter months. Sea Buckthorn plants are also a great addition because they catch atmospheric nitrogen and redirect it into the ground.
