Seed germination and seedling emergence in Hippophae rhamnoides L.

In contrast to earlier reports, in this study Seabuckthorn seeds collected from ripe fruits proved to be non-dormant. Most of them germinated quickly at high temperatures (e.g. cyclically alternating temperatures of 20 similar to 30 degrees C daily for 16 and 8 hours, respectively). At lower temperatures (3 similar to 20 degrees C), seeds did not germinate or germinated slowly, but stratification at 3 degrees C for 4-6 weeks increased their germination rate to 90-100% within 2-3 weeks. Seedling emergence in the open nursery proved to be risky, even after 6-8 weeks of seed stratification, so spring sowing in the greenhouse (or plastic tunnel) is recommended.