Species European Sea Rocket
white flowers with yellow-lime stamens, yellow-green foliage and stems

European Sea Rocket

Cakile maritima subsp. maritima

European Sea Rocket is a grassy annual with bright white to pinkish/purple flowers and edible leaves. It is a popular addition to salads and is widely used in home remedies. It is found on sea shores and often competes with more aggressive invasive species, especially in coastal areas. With thick taproots, the plant is able to thrive in difficult sandy and salty environments. The leaves and flowers can be harvested in late spring or summer, the petals are used to flavor a variety of dishes. The plant is also used medicinally to treat headaches and fevers.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

American Sea Rocket should be watered deeply and regularly to ensure optimal health. It can be watered once or twice per week, depending on the temperature and humidity. For summer watering, it should be watered deeply to a depth of 6-8 inches. The soil should be allowed to dry out somewhat in between waterings. For spring and fall, when temperatures and humidity are lower, a light watering once or twice per week should suffice. In the winter, watering is not necessary as the plant goes dormant.

sunlight

American Sea Rocket prefers areas exposed to full sun for most of the day. It ideally needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day in order to flourish. During summer months, the sea rocket will appreciate up to 8-10 hours of sunlight when possible. It is important to be aware that some heat may be beneficial to the plant, although it shouldn’t be in direct, harsh sun during the hottest period of the day (10 am to 4 pm).

pruning

American Sea Rocket should be pruned once or twice a year in the spring and summer. Pruning should remove any dead or damaged branches or stems and thin out the appearance of the plant. This form of pruning will help promote healthier, fuller growth and improve the overall appearance. After pruning, it is important to fertilize the plant to promote healthy growth. Prune selectively so that the plant does not become excessively thin and reduce its vigor. Pruning should be done carefully and not too aggressively. To ensure the plant's health, pruning should be done with sharp, clean tools and the leaves should be pruned before the flowers appear.

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.