Cakile maritima
Cakile maritima · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cakile maritima: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Tender, mild climate
- Origin
- Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts
- Soil type
- Sandy to gravelly, well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
Care
Exposure
Sea rocket demands full sun to thrive properly. Plant it by the seaside or in a location with direct rays for at least 6 hours a day. This plant is naturally adapted to sunny coastal environments.
Soil and drainage
Choose sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil that is well-drained and poor. Sea rocket tolerates salty soils and salt spray. Avoid compact or moisture-retaining soils, which promote rot.
Watering
Once established, sea rocket is very drought-tolerant thanks to its taproot. Water young plants moderately during the first few weeks. In natural coastal conditions, the moisture from spray and rain is usually sufficient.
Feeding
Sea rocket needs practically no fertilizer. A very modest application in late winter may suffice if your soil is poor. Too many nutrients promote foliage at the expense of flowers and hardiness.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. You can lightly trim stems after flowering to maintain a compact form, but the plant naturally grows into a spreading bushy habit. Remove any dead or damaged stems.
Diseases and pests
Sea rocket is remarkably resistant to disease. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. In very humid areas, watch for root rot. Pests that affect brassicas are rare in coastal environments.
Watering
Once established, sea rocket is very drought-tolerant thanks to its taproot. Water young plants moderately during the first few weeks. In natural coastal conditions, the moisture from spray and rain is usually sufficient.
Did you know?
Sea rocket is a beach pioneer: its ability to colonize unstable coastal sands makes it invaluable for fighting coastal erosion. Its seeds are dispersed by seawater across thousands of kilometers, explaining its presence on both shores of the North Atlantic. In botany, its name "cakile" comes from the Arabic "qâqula," reflecting its historical importance in Mediterranean regions.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Sea kaleCrambe maritima
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- Rocket SaladEruca sativa
- WasabiEutrema japonicum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.