How to grow Sea Kale in the UK
Crambe maritima
Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Native UK coastal vegetable — blanched shoots taste like asparagus-cabbage. Perennial; cropping in year 2. This guide covers when and how to sow Sea Kale, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Sea Kale
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar Harvest | Apr Plant · Harvest | May Harvest | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Free-draining, sandy soil
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Position
- Sunny coastal-style bed; a perennial
- Sowing depth
- Plant thongs vertically just below the surface
- Spacing
- 45 cm apart
- Sowing
- Plant root cuttings (thongs) in spring
- Growing
- Mulch; force with a pot in late winter for blanched shoots
- Harvest & upkeep
- Cut blanched stems in spring; let it recover
- Watch for
- Slugs, club root, caterpillars
Companion planting for Sea Kale
Grows well with:
Keep apart from:
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Sea Kale FAQs
What grows well with Sea Kale?
Sea Kale grows well alongside Beetroot, Celery, Dill, French Marigold, Pot Marigold, Mint. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
What should you not plant near Sea Kale?
Keep Sea Kale away from Strawberry, Beef Tomato, Cherry Tomato, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.
How much sun does Sea Kale need?
Sea Kale prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Sea Kale ready to harvest?
Sea Kale is typically ready to harvest in March, April, May in the UK.
Is Sea Kale easy to grow?
Challenging. Native UK coastal vegetable — blanched shoots taste like asparagus-cabbage. Perennial; cropping in year 2.