rock samphire
sea fennel or Crithmum maritimum
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A native, coastal, wild flower perennial, Crithmum maritimum can be found in rocky cliff or seaside shingle locations. A small bushy plant whose succulent, grey-green foliage, triangular in cross-section is edible with an aromatic, salty taste. It bears umbels of yellowish-green flowers in summer. Requires saline conditions to do well and plants are best grown in coastal locations, but rock samphire will tolerate a very well-drained poor soil further inland. Harvest only young growth using scissors once the plants have become well developed. - Growing instructions: From March, sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost, lightly cover with further compost and keep moist but not overly wet. Samphire does not require heat to germinate (7-10 days approx.) so can be placed in a frost-free spot such as a cool greenhouse, porch or cold frame. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 9cm pots and grow on, hardening off to plant out after danger of frost has passed. Autumn sowings can be made in October to be planted out the following spring.
- Sow: March to May
- Harvest: June to August