Crambe maritima (Sea kale)
Michael's Opinion
This is a stunning plant but as the image indicates in must be grown in lean conditions for it to flourish. Planting it is well worth the effort.
Botanical Information
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Crambe |
| Species | maritima |
| Category | Perennials, Wildflowers & Weeds |
| Origin | Europe, North Africa, SouthWest Asia. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 5 - 9 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 4a - Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H3 - H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -29 -(-1) |
| Temperature (°F) | -20 - 30 |
| Height | 50 - 100 cm |
| Spread | 10 - 50 cm |
| Flowering Period | June |
Description and Growing Information
| Propagation | Root cuttings or seed. |
| Cultivation | Organically rich, sandy, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. |
| Pests | Slugs and caterpillars. |
| Leaf Description | Large, fleshy basal leaves that resemble cabbage leaves. They are edible. |
| Flower Description | Small, white, four-petalled flowers with a strong fragrant. They are edible. |
Photographs
Pictured here growing on gravel scree on the Sussex coast in England.
Scanning electron microscope images of pollen grain.