Sea Rocket, European searocket
Cakile maritima

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Cakile maritima is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Sandy and shingly places all around the coast.

Coastal areas of Europe, including Britain, the Mediterranean, Baltic and Black Seas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves, stems, flower buds and immature seedpods - raw or cooked. They are rich in vitamin C but have a very bitter taste. Used mainly as a flavouring. Very young leaves can be added to salads whilst older leaves can be mixed with milder tasting leaves and used as a potherb. Root - dried and ground into a powder, then mixed with cereal flours and used to make bread. A famine food, it is only used in times of scarcity. The seed contains a fatty oil. No more details are given.

Oil: Oil

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content

Other

Rating:

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

Prefers a light well-drained soil and a sunny position. Plants are easily grown in a garden situation and can self-sow if the ground is disturbed by hoeing etc. This species is closely related to C. edentula, which is native to N. America. The seed is often dispersed by floating in sea water.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring or early autumn in situ. Germination is usually rapid.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. edentula. non Hook. Bunias cakile.