Also known as Kale · Scaberima · Sea Cabbage
Sea kale (Crambe maritima) is a hardy perennial with edible leaves, shoots, and flower buds, thriving in coastal conditions and sandy soils.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade, especially in hotter climates.
Consistent moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water deeply at the base.
Well-drained, sandy, loamy
50% intensity
Hardy perennial
25% intensity
Resistant to cold and frost. Prefers cooler climates.
Low maintenance
25% intensity
Benefits from compost top-dressing in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Sea kale prefers consistent moisture, especially during establishment and dry periods. Water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. In coastal or windy areas, it may require more frequent watering.
Pruning primarily involves removing dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Some gardeners may choose to cut back flower stalks after blooming to encourage vegetative growth.
Harvesting young shoots in spring is a form of pruning for culinary use.
Sea kale can be propagated by seed, sown in autumn or early spring. It can also be propagated by root cuttings taken in winter. For seeds, stratification may improve germination rates.
It is generally a robust plant that establishes well from both methods.
Sea kale is a perennial that is best left undisturbed in its permanent location once established. Repotting is generally not necessary unless growing young plants in containers.
If container-grown, repot in spring every 2-3 years into a larger pot with well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sea Kale (Crambe maritima)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Brassicales |
| family | Brassicaceae |
| genus | Crambe |
| species | Crambe maritima |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
