Sea Rocket
Cakile edentula
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Pl. 302B — Cakile edentula
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IOverview
Overview
Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula) is an annual forb or herb native to coastal areas from Connecticut and Delaware southward to Florida and Georgia, as well as inland in Illinois and Indiana. It thrives in full sun with dry to moist soil, particularly light sandy conditions, making it adaptable but preferring well-drained environments. Native to the eastern United States and parts of Canada, this plant is known for its edible leaves, stems, and roots, which can be used in various culinary applications. One distinctive feature of Sea Rocket is its ability to grow up to 0.6 meters tall, adding a unique touch to gardens or natural landscapes while also serving as a valuable food source.
Quick answers
What is Sea Rocket?
Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula) is an annual forb or herb native to coastal areas from Connecticut and Delaware southward to Florida and Georgia, as well as inland in Illinois and Indiana.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sea Rocket thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, light (sandy) soil. It is drought-tolerant but can also handle moist conditions. This annual plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. Propagate by seed directly sown into the garden bed after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest edible parts, including leaves, roots, and stems, throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sea Rocket for the first time
8steps
Start with Sea Rocket as an easy-to-grow annual for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining and sandy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in rows, spacing them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist until germination. Thin seedlings to 30-45 cm apart once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly, as Sea Rocket prefers dry conditions. Mulch lightly if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune stems and leaves for use in salads or cooking after the plant has established itself.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootStem
Edible uses: The leaves, stems, and roots of Sea Rocket are edible. Typically, the young leaves are harvested and eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The tender shoots can also be pickled for preservation. Roots may be dug up and used similarly to other leafy greens, adding a slightly salty flavor to dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 28 native· 2 introduced
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Connecticut, Nova Scotia, Indiana, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Labrador, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Brunswick, New Hampshire
introduced:Mexico Northwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 302b9d7a-4a5e-46cc-b3f7-e30f589cf9a0
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