Seabuckthorn "Essel" – a large-fruited female dessert variety, bred in Siberia in 1986. The bush reaches a height of 3 to 4–5 meters and has a compact medium growth form with a moderately dense crown. The fruits are large (90–120 g), orange in color, juicy, and sweet with a dessert flavor, making them popular both fresh and for processing.
The variety is distinguished by high frost resistance – up to -34 °C, as well as medium drought tolerance, which allows it to be grown both in Western and Eastern Siberia. Yield in commercial cultivation is about 81.8 c/ha, with the first harvest appearing as early as the fourth year after planting. For successful growth, soil with pH 6.0–7.0 is required, with a depth of 1.5 m, well-drained sandy or loamy soils; swampy and heavy clay soils are not suitable.
Care of the bush is simple: watering during the season of about 30–40 l/plant, mulching the trunk circle, regular pruning of branches in spring (formative, sanitary, rejuvenating). Harmful fertilizers – nitrogen and superphosphate; pesticides are not required, the main pest is the seabuckthorn fly. With insufficient watering, the berries become "dry", and with pH > 7.5, leaf diseases (chlorosis) may occur. As a natural barrier, harmful helper plants such as dill, cumin, and coriander can be used.
Key advantages of the "Essel" variety: large fruits with high oil and vitamin content, good resistance to frost and drought, high yield, ease of planting and care. Thanks to these characteristics, the variety is suitable for both private gardens and commercial plantations in temperate climatic zones.
