Crithmum maritimum Seeds | Samphire Dry Leaves
LATIN NAME: Crithmum maritimum
COMMON NAME: Rock Samphire
Plant Profile
Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum) grows as a low, tufted, evergreen perennial in the carrot family. On sea cliffs of the Atlantic coast, rock samphire grows where few plants dare. Plant has a very long record of use in kitchens of coast, where fleshy leaves were gathered, pickled and eaten with fish and the meats. It is a plant of open, sunny, sharply drained ground. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
Sea samphire is a coastal gourmet vegetable with a serious nutritional profile: the fleshy leaves are rich in vitamin C (a historical anti-scorbutic for sailors), carotenoids and polyphenols, and its essential oil has attracted research interest for antioxidant and even retinol-like cosmetic activity. It grows only within reach of salt spray, clinging to cliffs and shingle — a plant that tells you exactly what coast it grew on. Potted on a sunny wall with grit and the occasional splash of salty water, it can be coaxed into garden life.
As part of the carrot family, Crithmum maritimum contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Rock samphire is an odd and interesting subject of studies of fleshy, blue-green leaves and plants of salt coast. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Rock Samphire brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Rock samphire is a plant of sea edge with a long list of uses. Thick, fleshy leaves have a very long record of use in kitchens of coast, pickled and served with fish and meats, and plant is one of fine, forgotten vegetables of old shore. Low, tufted, blue-green mounds are also a fine, tough ornament of sunny rockery, wall and gravel garden, keeping their good looks through the year. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Sea fennel, samphire’s aromatic cousin, is a gourmet coastal vegetable rich in vitamin C and aromatic oils; sailors once ate it against scurvy, and the essential oil now appears in premium skin care.
Growing from Seed
Raising Rock Samphire from seed is straightforward. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Rock Samphire settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Sun, free drainage and a patient first year are all it really requires.
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