About
Cakile maritima is a succulent annual that features branched stems reaching heights between 15 and 45 centimeters. It has thick, fleshy leaves that are pale grey-green in color. From early to late summer, this plant produces small flowers that measure up to 2.5 centimeters in diameter, displaying either white or pale lilac-purple petals with four distinct parts. After flowering, it develops short, stout seed capsules that transition from green to brown, each containing two smooth seeds, which can be yellow or brown.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Arabia, N Am., Med., Aus.
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Sea rocket grows on coastal foreshores in sand dunes and in shingle or gravel where its long taproot can anchor the plant and stabilise the soil. It is tolerant of salt spray and short bouts of seawater inundation
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free