code: 639
It is superb in the border
Family: Cruciferae
Common name: Sea Kale
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Maximum Height: 40 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 12
Purple spring shoots enlarge into glorious glaucous rubbery leaves then massed heads of honey-scented, ivory flowers open in June. It is superb in the border and is ideal for cutting. Finally. the tender young leaves are a classic gourmet’s delights – the now very rare “sea kale”.
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. However, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, and often wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. But spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth if successful germination occurs.
As an ornamental garden plant, C. maritima has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Culture:
Best grown in rich, sandy to gravelly, neutral to alkaline, medium moisture, well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Established plants tolerate some drought. Although native habitat is maritime conditions above the high water mark, this perennial adapts well to borders and vegetable gardens. Add lime to the soils as needed to maintain neutral/alkaline character. Propagate by seed or root cuttings.
Garden Uses:
Dry sunny areas. Borders. Cottage gardens. Vegetable gardens. Containers.
