Sea-buckthorn "Lydia" is a bush plant belonging to the species *Hippophae rhamnoides*. The variety is characterized by a medium-late ripening period – 30–35 days after the onset of vegetation, allowing for harvest planning in late summer. The plant reaches a height of up to 0.5 m and is characterized by weak branching with straight shoots of medium length. Leaves are dark green, shiny, covered with silver scales from below, and thorns are located at the upper part of the shoots – short and thin, usually few in number.
The berries of the "Lydia" variety have an elongated, slightly cuboid shape and are colored bright orange. The average weight of one berry is 0.7–0.9 g, they are juicy and sour-sweet with a refreshing aroma. Inside, there is about 3.8% sugar, 1.1% acid, as well as significant amounts of vitamin C (88 mg/100 g), carotene (5.5 mg/100 g) and oils (4.6%). These indicators make the berries a valuable source of nutrients and antioxidants.
The yield of the "Lydia" variety is in the range of 41.3 c/ha, which confirms its high productivity. The variety has good winter hardiness, drought and heat resistance, as well as low susceptibility to diseases, including leaf spot fungus and root rot. Thanks to these properties, the plant is easily grown on various soil types and prefers sunny places. For successful growth, it is recommended to prepare the soil, fertilize with nitrogen and phosphorus substances, and also maintain regular irrigation during the active growth period.
The "Lydia" variety is suitable for both commercial cultivation and home gardens, where it can be used as a source of fresh berries, as well as in the production of juices, compotes, honey, and other products. Thanks to the rich composition of vitamins and minerals, the berries can be used in dietary nutrition, the cosmetic industry, and pharmaceuticals.
