Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front

Soil

Succeeds on poor soil:
Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

On top of being a robust and lovely plant for the garden, sea kale (Crambe maritima) is edible, too. Glaucous mounds of this herbaceous perennial can often be spotted growing on shingle beaches.

In early summer clusters of white honey-scented flowers appear that attract a range of pollinating insects. The very young leaves and stems can be eaten raw or steamed, but the best flavour is thought to come from plants that have been forced, as you would with rhubarb. Find out how to grow sea kale for more advice. It's also a great addition to gravel and coastal gardens, where it'll combine beautifully with plants like sea thrift and kniphofia.

For best results, grow Crambe maritima in full sun or partial shade in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Cut back in autumn.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyesyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Harvestyesyes

Crambe and wildlife

Crambe is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Crambe poisonous?

Crambe has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Crambe maritima
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