Common

Crambe maritima

This perennial, hardy to zone 5, produces early season sprouts that can be eaten like asparagus or broccolini. All parts of the plant are edible, including the abundant sprays of honey scented white blooms, young seed pods, and roots. Native to the shores of England and Ireland, and tolerant of salty conditions, it also thrives in regular garden soils.

Seeds are very challenging to germinate, with a low germination rate, and can require patience and persistence due to a long stratification period. When seeded in January or February and kept watered, seeds may begin sprouting in mid March with more seeds sprouting right through the summer if kept watered. Once established this crop is very hardy and can be propagated by root cuttings.

A note about germination rates for wild seeds

Our wild seeds are not germination tested, as both germination rates and time to germination can vary significantly compared to commercial seed varieties. Many wild seeds require specific pre-treatments—such as cold stratification, exposure to light, or temperature fluctuations—to successfully germinate.

Additionally, many wild perennial plants may take several years to mature and begin flowering. 

For best results, please refer to our Growing Tips for strategies to support successful germination.

Tips for planting out wild seeds:

1. Sow your seed in the Fall, as Nature would. If you don’t want to be patient, then putting your seeds in some damp soil in the fridge for 4-6 weeks can also help germination as they benefit from a cold period.
   
2. While there are technical tips that can be followed for each wild species, we find generally good success by sowing seeds in a pot of sterilized potting soil in early Fall, and sinking the pot or tray into the ground in your garden where it can stay for 1-3 years.
   
3. Cover your seeding tray/pot with a fine wire mesh to keep out mice, squirrels, rabbits, cats and other critters who may want to nibble seedlings or dig up the nice potting soil.
   
4. When seedlings emerge in the Spring, prick them gently out with a fork once they have two sets of leaves (this indicates good root development so they survive transplanting better), then transplant them to their final location and water in well.
   
5. Leave the pot in place, and over the next couple of years it’s easy to continue pricking out new seedlings to transplant as they emerge.