Sea buckthorn 'Zlata' is a large-fruited variety with late ripening, characterized by high yield and resistance to unfavorable climatic conditions. The plant has a tree-like form up to 250 cm tall, an oval crown of medium density, and straight shoots with silvery-brown bark. Leaves are of medium size, green, narrow-lanceolate, and concave, while thorns are rare, which facilitates fruit harvesting.
Fruits of 'Zlata' are large (1–1.2 g), yellow-orange in color when ripe, with juicy pulp and a sour taste. They contain 5.9% sugar, 1.5% titratable acids, 4.4% oil, 169.2 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, and 8.5 mg of carotenoids. Thanks to these properties, the berries are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other beneficial substances.
Yield reaches 11.7–19.5 t/ha (about 14 kg per bush) after the fourth year of planting. The variety is self-fertile, but for maximum productivity, planting pollinator 'male' varieties is recommended. It withstands drought well and frosts down to -40 °C, adapts to alkaline, neutral, and slightly acidic soils, and is suitable for growing outdoors in both gardens and home plots. Care for the plant is simple: moderate watering, regular fertilization, and pruning ensure stable growth and fruiting.
