Crambe maritima
Sea kale
Common names: Sea cabbage
Photo: Siim at et.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Sea kale (Crambe maritima) is a hardy coastal vegetable that grows wild on European pebble beaches and can remain in the same spot in a garden for many years. Its blue‑green, slightly wavy foliage forms a decorative mound that also works well as a perennial ornamental plant. The real delicacy is the young, pale shoots harvested in spring: under a blanching pot they develop a bright, tender flavor with a subtle aroma between asparagus and cabbage.
Care instructions
Plant sea kale in a sunny, sheltered spot with well‑drained, sandy soil; if the soil is heavy, loosen it with sand or fine gravel beforehand. Space plants 75 to 90 cm apart to allow the robust roots and wide canopy to develop freely. In early spring (around week 10, early March), cover the emerging shoots with a light‑tight pot to blanch; after 4 to 6 weeks the shoots are ready for harvest and taste best. Water only during prolonged dry periods, as sea kale tolerates sandy, drier soils. In autumn, cut back dead foliage; a mulch layer of leaf or straw can protect the roots over winter but is usually not essential.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, sandy, lean, dry
Feeding
Medium feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
legume family (Fabaceae)
particularly well establishedLeguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.
For example PeaBush beanPole beanBroad beanMarker peaSugar pea and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
carrot family (Apiaceae)
You can pair celery and dill with all Brassicaceae because they repel the cabbage whitefly with their scent, a proven companion.
For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue
Source: Bio-Gärtnerei Mixed-culture Practice
mint family (Lamiaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example LavenderThymeBasilRosemarySageHyssop and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae)
Nasturtium serves as a trap plant for you. Aphids and cabbage whiteflies prefer it over the brassicaceae next to it.
For example Tropaeolum majusMashua
Source: Trap plant practice in organic horticulture
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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