Crambe orientalis
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Crambe orientalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Fields, hills, dry slopes, rocky places and clay soils.
Europe - E. Mediterranean to W. Asia - Iran.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves - cooked. Immature flowering stems - raw or cooked and used like broccoli. Root - cooked. It is very thick and can be used as a horseradish substitute.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
An easily grown species, succeeding in a good loam and an open sunny position. Prefers a slightly alkaline soil in a position sheltered from strong winds. Tolerates poor soil and some shade. Dislikes acid soils. Prefers a rather dry soil. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A deep-rooted plant, it dislikes root disturbance.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a seedbed outdoors and either thin the plants out or move them to their permanent positions when about 10cm tall. The young plants are very attractive to slugs so some protection will often be needed. Germination can be slow so it is best to sow the seed in pots in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place in 3 - 26 weeks at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions when they are at least 10cm tall. Division in spring or autumn. Dig up the root clump and cut off as many sections as you require, making sure they all have at least one growing point. The larger of these divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions, though small ones are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until they are established. Root cuttings, 3 - 10 cm long, in spring. These can be planted straight into the open ground or you can pot them up in the greenhouse and plant them out once they are growing strongly.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist