Species American Sea Rocket
white flowers with yellow-green stamens, green buds, leaves and light-green stems

American Sea Rocket

Cakile edentula subsp. edentula

American Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula subsp. edentula) is a low-growing, spreading, maritime perennial plant native to the sandy and rocky coastline of eastern and western North America. It has edible seeds, making it a popular species for foraging. Its hairy, succulent stems and lance-shaped leaves grow to 3-12 in. in height while its fragrant white flowers bloom in the springtime. The plant lives on the beach through strong winds, salt spray, and high temperatures. Its deep taproots are adapted to draw in fresh water from beyond the high tide line. It is an integral part of the coastal ecosystem and also serves as a food source for small animals.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

American Sea Rocket should be watered deeply and infrequently. During its growing season, water it every 1 to 2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out in between watering. In the winter months, reduce watering to once per month. When watering, ensure the soil is thoroughly saturated for roots to develop. Overwatering can cause root rot and disease, so it’s important to water correctly. You can determine when your plant needs water by paying attention to the leaves. If they are wilting, it’s time to water.

sunlight

For American Sea Rocket to thrive, it requires full sun exposure throughout the day. When grown in areas with plentiful sunlight, it may benefit from partial shade during the mid-day hours in order to prevent the plants from becoming too scorched. During the late spring to early fall months, American Sea Rocket requires around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. During the winter months, the plants can tolerate full morning sun with a few hours of indirect light in the afternoon. In hot climates, plants should be exposed to afternoon shade in order to prevent sunburn.

pruning

American Sea Rocket should be pruned unifromly and only as needed to maintain the desired shape. Pruning is best done during the spring, when the new growth starts to appear. The best time for pruning is after blooming has ceased and in late winter. To keep the plant looking tidy and is done to shape and control the growth pattern, it is better to prune it back by half - within about 6 - 12 inches of the outer edge of the plant. Care should be taken to avoid cutting into the old growth as this can damage the plant. Pruning should also be done to remove dead or diseased branches as well as the flower heads.