Crambe orientalis
Crambe orientalisfam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. 0506 — Crambe orientalis
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IOverview
Overview
Crambe orientalis, commonly known as Oriental rape, is a perennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Palestine, Tajikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). The plant is hardy to zones 6-9 and reaches a height of about 1.2 meters. Known for its edible leaves, roots, and stems, Crambe orientalis is valued in culinary applications. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow well in diverse soil conditions, making it adaptable to various environments.
Quick answers
What is Crambe orientalis?
Crambe orientalis, commonly known as Oriental rape, is a perennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Palestine, Tajikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crambe orientalis thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall as a perennial. For propagation, you can use seeds or division of established plants. Harvest the leaves, roots, and stems for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Crambe orientalis for the first time
7steps
Start with Skip as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 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 full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-draining, light to heavy, and rich in organic matter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep and 30-45 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for pests and diseases, treating if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Fertilize with compost once a year in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health and appearance. Harvest stems for cooking when they reach 30-45 cm tall.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootStem
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 12 native· 1 introduced
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia8 regions
native (8)AfghanistanIranIraqKazakhstanPalestineTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus
introduced:Kirgizstan
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
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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