Flowering sea kale
Crambe cordifoliafam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. D597 — Crambe cordifolia
Crambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifoliaCrambe cordifolia
IOverview
Overview
Flowering sea kale (Crambe cordifolia) is a perennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. It thrives in full sun to partial shade with varying soil types—light, medium, or heavy—and can tolerate dry to moist conditions. This hardy plant grows up to 2 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves and roots, making it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. Its native range extends from the North Caucasus to West Himalaya, showcasing its adaptability across diverse climates.
Quick answers
What is Flowering sea kale?
Flowering sea kale (Crambe cordifolia) is a perennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. It thrives in full sun to partial shade with varying soil types—light, medium, or heavy—and can tolerate dry to moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Flowering sea kale thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will produce better growth with moist conditions. This perennial is hardy from zones 5-9 and reaches a height of 2 meters. For propagation, use seeds or division in spring. Harvest the edible leaves and roots for culinary uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Flowering sea kale for the first time
8steps
Start with Flowering sea kale as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Flowering sea kale seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the garden bed. For containers, use a pot at least 30 cm wide with good drainage holes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly in spring with compost or aged manure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The flowering sea kale is eaten for its leaves and roots. The leaves can be consumed raw or cooked, while the roots are typically boiled before eating. Both parts add a mild, slightly bitter taste to dishes.
Other uses:Ground coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 13 native· 1 introduced
Europe2 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (1)United Kingdom
Asia7 regions
native (7)AfghanistanChinaIranKazakhstanPakistanTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
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