Ornamental Sea Kale, or Crambe is a hardy perennial plant, member of the Mustard family, Cruciferae. Related to the Brassicas, the plant gives off the odor of cabbage when crushed. The plants have large ornamental leaves and spikes with pannicles of airy, delicate summer blooms.

The plants are used both as ornamentals and as food. The leaves and roots of the plants are eaten - young leaves as greens and the roots are boiled. All parts of the plants have a mild cabbage flavor. The roots are also used to treat itching.

Propagation is done by taking root cuttings, or by sowing seeds. Root cuttings are taken in early fall by separating a section of tuber with small hairy roots attached. These sections are then planted in a prepared bed for transplanting the following spring. Seeds should be sown in pots, trays or a bed prepared with a soiless seed starting medium (1 part sphagnum peat moss to 1 part sand is fine). Sow the seed and cover lightly. Maintain temperature at about 40F and keep the medium moist, but not soggy. After 4 weeks, increase the temperature to 70F. When seedlings reach 2 inches in height, transplant to larger containers or, if outdoor temperatures remain above 55F, you may set the transplants in an outdoor prepared area

  Ornamental Sea Kale - Crambe cordifolia - Decorative heart shaped leaves with tall stems and airy white blooms. Good specimen plant. Full or partial sun Height: 60 inches Hardy to -30F (-34.4C)

#5747   Packet   $5.50   Approximately 50 seeds

  Sea Kale - Crambe maritima - Large edible leaves are formed basally and topped with tall stems bearing airy white blooms. Full or partial sun Height: 60 inches Hardy to -30F (-34.4C)

#5748   Packet   $7.50   Approximately 25 seeds

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