Sea Kale
Crambe maritima
Also listed as Cochlearia maritima, Crambe pontica
Climate Match for your location
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A coastal perennial with blue-green waxy foliage and clusters of small white flowers. The young leafy stems and flower buds are edible and were historically blanched and eaten like asparagus or broccoli.
Why grow it
Sea kale occupies a niche among perennial vegetables as a salt-tolerant crop suitable for coastal gardens where many edibles struggle. Unlike asparagus or similar perennial crops, it tolerates poor, sandy, or gravelly soils and requires minimal inputs once established. Its dual purpose (edible stems and flower buds) and ornamental blue-green foliage offer multiple-use potential in permaculture systems.
Watch out for
Establishing sea kale from seed requires patience, as germination can be slow and erratic without cold stratification. The plant takes 2-3 years to reach full productivity, so early harvesting should be light to avoid weakening young crowns. It prefers excellent drainage and may rot in waterlogged conditions, particularly in winter.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Brassicaceae
Native Range
Coastal Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A coastal perennial with blue-green waxy foliage and clusters of small white flowers. The young leafy stems and flower buds are edible and were historically blanched and eaten like asparagus or broccoli.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sea Kale grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sea kale occupies a niche among perennial vegetables as a salt-tolerant crop suitable for coastal gardens where many edibles struggle. Unlike asparagus or similar perennial crops, it tolerates poor, sandy, or gravelly soils and requires minimal inputs once established. Its dual purpose (edible stems and flower buds) and ornamental blue-green foliage offer multiple-use potential in permaculture systems.
Watch out for
Establishing sea kale from seed requires patience, as germination can be slow and erratic without cold stratification. The plant takes 2-3 years to reach full productivity, so early harvesting should be light to avoid weakening young crowns. It prefers excellent drainage and may rot in waterlogged conditions, particularly in winter.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Brassicaceae
Native Range
Coastal Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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