Species European Searocket
white flowers with yellow-green leaves and stems

European Searocket

Cakile maritima

European Searocket (Cakile maritima) is a species of flowering plant native to the coastal areas of Europe and North Africa. Its succulent, fleshy green leaves grow in a rosette formation, while its 20 cm stems are topped with cabbage-like clusters of white flowers. The plant thrives in sandy soil and is an annual, self-seeding variety. Its long-tapering seedpods are edible and can be used in salads. The plant is tolerant of salt spray and coastal climates, making it a perfect choice for coastal gardens.

Watering:

Frequent

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.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.