Lepidium oleraceum
Lepidium oleraceum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. D28F — Lepidium oleraceum
Lepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceumLepidium oleraceum
IOverview
Overview
Lepidium oleraceum, known as the sea rocket or winter cress, is a perennial plant native to various regions including Antipodean Islands, Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, New Zealand North and South Islands, Albania, Algeria, and Altay. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to heavy soil types, making it adaptable to diverse environments. Its edible leaves are commonly used in culinary applications, adding a tangy flavor to dishes. One distinctive feature of Lepidium oleraceum is its ability to grow in a variety of soil pH levels, thriving best in slightly alkaline soils with a pH between 7.5 and 8.
Quick answers
What is Lepidium oleraceum?
Lepidium oleraceum, known as the sea rocket or winter cress, is a perennial plant native to various regions including Antipodean Islands, Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, New Zealand North and South Islands, Albania, Algeria, and Altay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lepidium oleraceum thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to heavy soils, with a preference for sandy, medium, or clay textures. The plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated through seeds. It requires moderate sunlight and should be watered regularly to maintain its moisture needs. Given its perennial nature, it will produce edible leaves year after year. Ensure the soil pH is between 7.5 and 8 for optimal growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Lepidium oleraceum for the first time
8steps
Start with Lepidium oleraceum as a simple, low-maintenance plant for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting soil, containers, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with a pH of 7.5–8. Ensure your container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the soil, covering them lightly. Alternatively, start seedlings indoors and transplant once they are strong enough.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot to encourage growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant by cutting back old leaves and stems to promote new growth and maintain shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Lepidium oleraceum are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used fresh in salads for their mild flavor. In some regions, the leaves may also be steamed or added to soups. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceHungaryItalyRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa2 regions
native (2)EgyptLibya
Broader regions
native:Chatham Is., Kermadec Is., New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Altay, East Aegean Is., Gulf States, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Antipodean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · d28ffb23-8346-4c5e-9d53-a74600de27c1
Decision aid
Choosing between Lepidium oleraceum and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.