Rock Samphire
Crithmum maritimumfam. Apiaceae
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Pl. 6F89 — Crithmum maritimum
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IOverview
Overview
Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum) is a perennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family and is native to Romania. This coastal plant thrives in dry to moist, light soil conditions with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable but preferring sandy soils. Known for its edible leaves and seedpods, Rock Samphire is often used in culinary dishes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in harsh coastal environments, while another notable characteristic is its light texture, with a hardiness rating between zones 5-9.
Quick answers
What is Rock Samphire?
Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum) is a perennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family and is native to Romania. This coastal plant thrives in dry to moist, light soil conditions with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable but preferring sandy soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rock Samphire thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers a well-draining sandy soil with a pH of 6.5–7. It is hardy from zones 5-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial grows up to 0.3 meters tall and requires moderate sunlight. For cultivation, harvest the leaves and seedpods for culinary use. Propagate through seeds or division in spring or fall. Ensure the plant has enough space as it can spread.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Rock Samphire for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Rock Samphire.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or garden bed, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7, and ensure good drainage if using containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and then transplant to your garden once they are about 2 inches tall.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mulch around the plants to retain moisture. Prune any dead or damaged leaves.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not protecting from wind, and overfertilizing.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedpod
Edible uses: Rock Samphire's leaves and seedpods are edible. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The plant is often prepared by steaming or sautéing to enhance its flavor. Skip the raw version if you find it too strong; cooking mellowes its taste. Dried samples are less common but can still be used for seasoning or tea.
Other uses:Essential OilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyNetherlandsPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
Africa5 regions
native (5)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Kriti, Turkey-in-Europe, East Aegean Is., Lebanon-Syria, Yugoslavia
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 (Apiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Apiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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