Sea Rocket

cakile maritima

Also known as: ["Sea Rocket","Sea Rocket Mustard","Beach Rocket"]

Family: Brassicaceae Genus: Cakile Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A coastal annual plant with fleshy leaves and small white or pinkish flowers, adapted to sandy or gravelly soils.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Cakile
Botanical Name: Cakile maritima

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: coastal gardens, rockeries, or sandy slopes
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining soil with minimal organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning only.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day). Tolerates coastal conditions with high light intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to full sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Suitable for coastal or sandy environments.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun is essential; coastal tolerance; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.

Soil

sandy, well-draining soil

pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–8.0).

Use sandy mix; ensure fast drainage; avoid water retention.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (20–30°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers mild winters.

Warm conditions preferred; protect from frost; avoid water stress in heat.

Fertilizing

rarely required, if used then every 3 months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer

Avoid over-fertilizing; use low-nitrogen formulas; fertilize only if necessary.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed. Seeds are often the easiest method.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Collect seeds or take cuttings.
  2. Prepare medium.
  3. Plant.
  4. Maintain moisture.
  5. Wait for germination/rooting.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.

Environment

Warm, bright, and airy with moderate humidity.

Medium

Well-draining sandy mix or perlite.

Hormone

Not typically required for seeds; optional for cuttings.

Timeline

Seeds germinate in 2–4 weeks; cuttings root in 3–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, seed trays, well-draining medium, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use fresh seeds for best germination; keep cuttings warm and bright.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead or overgrown stems with clean cuts.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed.

Tools

Hand pruners or sharp scissors.

Checklist

Check for dead growth; use clean tools; prune lightly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot, ensuring good drainage.

Method

Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

Suggestions

Only repot if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; minimal disturbance.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure excess water drains away completely. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts in prolonged cold. May suffer frost damage below -5°C.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt or scorch in extreme heat if watered improperly.

Solution: Water deeply in early morning; provide light shade during peak heat if necessary.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth needs; use diluted fertilizer; apply sparingly.

Fertilizing Method

Minimal fertilization needed. Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer sparingly in spring if growth is poor.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Cakile maritima can indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen or iron, or may be a response to environmental stress such as salinity or waterlogging.

Wilting in Cakile maritima is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought conditions or root damage that impairs water uptake.

Leaf spots in Cakile maritima are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Cakile maritima is typically caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soils, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Cakile maritima seeds are non-toxic to cats. No significant toxic effects have been documented following ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of seeds may lead to mild digestive issues in cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

The seeds of Cakile maritima are not toxic to dogs. There is no evidence of adverse physiological effects from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if they consume large amounts of seeds, as gastrointestinal upset may occur, though it is rare.
Humans
Non-toxic

Cakile maritima seeds are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They are not known to cause significant physiological effects when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cakile maritima edible?

A: Yes, the leaves and seeds are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.

Q: Does Sea Rocket attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Q: Can Sea Rocket grow in non-coastal areas?

A: It prefers coastal conditions but can grow in sandy or well-drained soils away from the coast.

Quick Reference
Family: Brassicaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 2–3 weeks, allowing so
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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