Sea Kale Crambe maritima
ABOUT
Crambe maritima, commonly known as sea kale, is a robust perennial plant that is well-adapted to coastal environments. The plant has a striking appearance, with wavy, blue-green leaves that are thick and fleshy, often resembling those of the common kale, albeit with a more silvery sheen. The leaves form a low mound or rosette at the base of the plant. As it blooms, the sea kale produces clusters of small white flowers that are held above the foliage on sturdy flower stalks. These blossoms can be quite fragrant, and they are arranged in an airy cyme, which gives the plant a delicate look despite its tough demeanor. Once the flowering period is over, the sea kale may produce pod-like fruits that contain the seeds for propagation. The overall texture of sea kale is somewhat coarse, with a bold form that can provide a strong visual interest in garden landscapes. Its tolerance to salt spray and sandy soils makes it a distinctive presence in coastal gardens, where few other ornamental plants can thrive as robustly.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Brassicaceae.
Synonyms
Sea Kale, Sea Cabbage, Seakale, Crambe, Halmyrides.
Common names
Crambe maritima.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as sea kale, Crambe maritima, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, it is edible and has been used traditionally in European coastal cuisines. The young shoots, leaves, and flower buds are consumed after cooking, which neutralizes any potentially harmful substances. There is no widespread evidence or notable cases of poisoning from consuming properly prepared sea kale. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could possibly occur, but this is uncommon.
To pets
The sea kale, Crambe maritima, does not have a reputation for being toxic to pets either. It is typically safe around animals, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning in domestic animals such as dogs and cats. As always, pet owners should prevent their pets from consuming large quantities of any non-food plants, as they could cause digestive upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. But sea kale does not pose a significant toxin-related risk to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- High Nutritional Value: Crambe maritima, commonly known as sea kale, is rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Ornamental Use: With its attractive blue-green leaves and white flowers, sea kale can add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Edible Parts: The young shoots, leaves, and flowering buds of sea kale are edible and can be used in a variety of culinary applications.
- Drought Tolerance: As a coastal plant, sea kale is well-adapted to survive in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardens.
- Salt Tolerance: Being a coastal species, sea kale is naturally tolerant to salt spray and saline soils, beneficial for planting in coastal areas.
- Soil Improvement: Sea kale's deep rooting system can help to break up heavy soils and improve soil structure over time.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of sea kale can attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators, thereby supporting local biodiversity.
- Culinary Heritage: Sea kale has historical culinary importance and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity among chefs and foodies.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, sea kale requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Erosion Control: Its extensive root system can also help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in vulnerable coastal zones.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crambe maritima, also known as sea kale, leaves can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing a range of greens and yellows depending on the mordant used.
- The white blooms of sea kale can be used in floral arrangements to add a delicate, sea-themed touch to bouquets or table centerpieces.
- Sea kale seeds are sometimes employed in educational projects about plant life cycles and coastal vegetation due to their unique adaptation to seaside environments.
- Dried stalks of sea kale can be woven into baskets or mats, showcasing traditional crafting techniques while utilizing beachcombed materials.
- Young sea kale shoots are pickled for a tangy condiment in some regional cuisines, similar to how one might pickle cucumbers or other vegetables.
- Some coastal communities utilize the large leaves of sea kale to wrap and preserve food, a method echoing ancient preservation techniques.
- Sea kale can be planted as a natural windbreak in coastal gardens, helping protect more delicate plants from harsh sea breezes.
- The robust root system of sea kale helps to stabilize sand dunes and prevent coastal erosion, making it an important species for ecological preservation efforts.
- In landscape design, sea kale is used for its ornamental value, providing contrasting foliage and texture to garden beds.
- Sea kale leaves have been historically used to feed livestock, offering a nutritional food source for animals in coastal farm settings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe sea kale is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe sea kale is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Also known as sea kale, Crambe maritima often grows in harsh coastal environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Adaptation: The sea kale's capacity to adapt to saline soils and high winds signifies flexibility and the ability to adjust to adversity.
- Purification: Traditionally, sea kale and other coastal plants have been associated with cleansing because of their proximity to the purifying sea air and water.
- Nourishment: As an edible plant, sea kale represents sustenance and the provision of life's necessities.
- Hidden Beauty: With its subtle flowers and lush leaves, sea kale suggests that beauty often lies in simplicity and understatement.
WaterThe sea kale needs regular watering, especially during dry periods, to establish a strong root system and support its growth; aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant. Adjust the amount and frequency depending on rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions, but be careful to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.
LightSea kale thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. The ideal location would be a sunny border or an area that is exposed to morning sunlight and has some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade, as it can impede the plant's growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureSea kale is a hardy perennial, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 75°F, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 70°F. These plants are well-adapted to coastal conditions and can tolerate salt sprays and strong winds.
PruningPruning sea kale is generally done to remove spent flower stalks and encourage further foliage production. After flowering, cut back the flower stalks to the base of the plant. Additionally, tidy up the plant by removing any yellowed or damaged leaves. This maintenance can be done annually, typically in late summer or fall after blooming has finished.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSea kale thrives in well-draining, loamy to sandy soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0. A mix with compost and some grit or perlite will provide the best soil structure for sea kale.
RepottingSea kale, being a perennial, doesn’t require frequent repotting. It should be repotted once it outgrows its current container, which might be every two to three years.
Humidity & MistingSea kale tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate to high humidity similar to coastal environments where it naturally grows.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, limited watering, and good air flow for sea kale.
Outdoor
Plant sea kale in full sun with well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSea kale (Crambe maritima) typically begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures warm up. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops a rosette of waxy, blue-green leaves during its juvenile phase. As it matures, the plant builds up a strong, deep root system which allows it to thrive in coastal environments. Once established, sea kale enters its reproductive stage, usually in its second or third year, sending up flowering stalks that can reach up to 75 centimeters tall with clusters of small white flowers that are attractive to various pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seed pods, and once the seeds are ripe, they are dispersed, often by wind or water. Sea kale is a perennial, and after the flowering and seed production stage, the plant typically goes dormant in winter, to then regrow from the same rootstock the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Sea kale, or Crambe maritima, is typically propagated by root cuttings taken during its dormancy in late winter to early spring. The popular method involves selecting healthy, pencil-thick roots and cutting them into sections about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. Each cutting should have a top and bottom end, with the top end often marked before planting to ensure correct orientation. These cuttings are then placed horizontally in trays filled with a mix of sand and peat, barely covered with the medium. The trays should be kept in a cold frame or a similarly protected environment until the cuttings begin to sprout, which can take several weeks. Once the shoots are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are ready to be planted out in their final location.
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