Salicornia europaea
Salicornia europaea
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Pl. 8749 — Salicornia europaea
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IOverview
Overview
Salicornia europaea, commonly known as glasswort or samphire, is an annual plant native to the coastal regions of Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. This plant thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 7–7.5, making it adaptable to various conditions. Known for its edible leaves, shoots, and seeds, glasswort is often harvested as a delicacy or used in cooking due to its salty taste. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in dry and moist environments, contributing to its widespread distribution along coastal areas.
Quick answers
What is Salicornia europaea?
Salicornia europaea, commonly known as glasswort or samphire, is an annual plant native to the coastal regions of Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, and Sweden.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Salicornia europaea thrives in light to medium and heavy soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It prefers moist conditions but can tolerate dry environments. The plant is hardy in temperate regions and grows up to 0.3 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining yet moisture-retentive. Provide ample light, as it requires high light levels (9/10). Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Harvest edible parts such as leaves, shoots, and seeds. Skip hardiness zones not specified in the data.
Light
9/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Salicornia europaea for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and forgiving plant like Salicornia europaea for your first gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, potting soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for a fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Sow seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Keep moist until germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade if starting indoors.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune shoots and leaves as needed for harvesting. Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough light, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:CleanseroilPotash
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 12 native
Europe12 regions
native (12)BelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyIrelandNetherlandsNorwayPolandSpainSwedenUnited Kingdom
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 874976fc-ebdb-4214-b6ee-0cddf4e0b4d4
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