Sea Kale
Crambe maritima
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Pl. 5A98 — Crambe maritima
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IOverview
Overview
Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) is a perennial forb or herb native to coastal regions across Europe, including the Baltic States, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Ireland. This plant thrives in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—with a preference for a pH of 7–7.5. Known for its edible parts, which include flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots, Sea Kale is particularly valued as an ornamental due to its distinctive appearance and hardiness ranging from zones 4-8. Its light energy requirement and adaptability make it a resilient choice for gardens and landscapes in cooler climates.
Quick answers
What is Sea Kale?
Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) is a perennial forb or herb native to coastal regions across Europe, including the Baltic States, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Ireland.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sea Kale thrives in light to medium soil that can be sandy, loamy, or clayey, with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It prefers dry to moist conditions and is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8. For best results, plant Sea Kale in full sun to partial shade. This perennial grows up to 0.6 meters tall and produces edible flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots. Ensure the soil remains consistently well-drained but not overly dry to support its growth. SKIP
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Sea Kale for the first time
8steps
Start with Sea Kale as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Ensure the area gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a bushy shape and prevent legginess.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: Sea Kale is eaten for its leaves, shoots, and roots. The young shoots are often prepared like asparagus, either steamed or blanched. The leaves can be used raw in salads or cooked similarly to spinach. Roots are less commonly consumed but can also be boiled. All parts of the plant are typically enjoyed fresh or lightly cooked.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 20 native· 2 introduced
Europe14 regions
native (14)BelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyIrelandNetherlandsNorwayRomaniaRussiaSwedenUkraineUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe
introduced:Oregon, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 5a983b9a-5d3a-4b94-9b59-250f3c0f5330
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