Crithmum maritimum
Sea fennel
Common names: Sea dill, Sea anise
Photo: User:Jymm · Public Domain · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum) is a succulent coastal herb that grows on cliff faces and rocky shores, tolerating both salt spray and dryness. Its fleshy, blue‑green leaves taste spicy‑salty with a subtle anise note, reminiscent of a blend of fennel and celery. Botanically, it belongs to the Asteraceae family and is unrelated to true fennel.
Care instructions
Sea fennel prefers full sun, a warm climate, and a very well‑drained, sandy or gravelly soil. Avoid heavy, water‑logged loam. Mix sand or gravel into the potting mix to mimic its natural rocky habitat. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings; excess moisture is more harmful than drought. Fertilize lightly, over‑fertilization softens the leaves and reduces flavor. In containers, it tolerates winter best in a bright, cool spot; in the garden, a light mulch of straw can protect it from extreme cold.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, sandy, lean, dry, lime-loving
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)
Umbellifers and alliums confuse each other's pests (carrot fly, onion fly).
For example GarlicOnionLeekChivesDaffodilRocambole and 12 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
daisy family (Asteraceae)
Calendula and Tagetes next to carrots keep the carrot fly away with their scent.
For example Head lettuceTagetes patulaCalendulaSunflowerCommon coneflowerFall Aster and 57 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
cabbage family (Brassicaceae)
You can pair celery and dill with all Brassicaceae because they repel the cabbage whitefly with their scent, a proven companion.
For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue
Source: Bio-Gärtnerei Mixed-culture Practice
legume family (Fabaceae)
Peas and beans provide carrot and celery with nitrogen and grow as shallow-rooted plants without competition next to each other.
For example PeaBush beanPole beanBroad beanMarker peaSugar pea and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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