Samphire
Crithmum maritimum · Apiaceae
📷 Júlio Reis (Tintazul) · CC BY-SA 2.5
The gardener's calendar
Samphire is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, succulent and finely cut
- Flowering
- June to September, small yellowish-green flowers
- Adult size
- 40 cm in height, compact and spreading habit
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate, tolerates mild winters
- Origin
- Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines
- Natural habitat
- Coastal cliffs, rocky and saline soils
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Sea fennel doesn't do well in pots: plant it in the ground or in a deep container (30 cm minimum) since the creeping roots seek out winter moisture. Pinch the stems regularly to thicken growth and prevent legginess in the second year.
The common mistake
Watering regularly like a typical plant when it actually rots more often from too much water than from drought, especially in wet winters.
The pro's trick
Harvest young leaves from April to June for salads before they become fibrous—this also rejuvenates the plant.
Care
Light exposure
Rock samphire requires full sun to thrive and develop its best foliage. Place it in an open location, preferably by the sea or in a well-exposed area. Insufficient light weakens the plant and reduces its flavor.
Watering
This plant is very drought-tolerant thanks to its succulent leaves. Water moderately during the growing period, then reduce watering once established. In pots, let the substrate dry between waterings. Avoid excess moisture which promotes rot.
Soil and drainage
Rock samphire prefers well-drained, poor to average soil, and tolerates rocky or sandy substrates perfectly. In pots, use a light mix with sand or pumice. Good drainage is essential to prevent root suffocation.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain a compact shape and stimulate branching. Pinch young shoots for a bushier habit. You can harvest young leaves and tender stems as needed without damaging the plant.
Fertilizer
Rock samphire is not demanding in nutrients. A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. Prefer moderate feeding rather than excessive to maintain its flavor and robustness.
Diseases and pests
This coastal plant is naturally resistant to pests and diseases. The main risks are rot from excessive moisture and damping off in seedlings. Ensure optimal drainage and avoid foliar watering.
Did you know?
Rock samphire, also called "stone-breaker," was long used by sailors who consumed its succulent and slightly salty leaves during sea voyages as a scurvy preventative thanks to its high vitamin C content. Its Latin name *Crithmum* comes from ancient Greek "krithé" meaning "barley," referring to the resemblance of its seeds. It is an emblematic plant of coastal Mediterranean cuisine.
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
- CarawayCarum carvi
- MasterwortAstrantia major
- Flat sea hollyEryngium planum
- Shrubby Hare's EarBupleurum fruticosum
- Crowfoot-leaved hare's-earBupleurum ranunculoides
- Button eryngoEryngium yuccifolium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.