Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima)

Sea Rocket

Cakile maritima

It thrives in coastal sand, a hardy splash of pale purple against dunes. Herbaceous annual coastal wildflower; common name: sea rocket.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Requires full sun exposure; tolerant of coastal salt spray and windy conditions
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Watering Drought-tolerant; water only when top 2–3 cm of substrate is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to light frost; prefers cool to temperate coastal temperatures between 10–25℃
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Succulent, fleshy, lobed or toothed gray-green to blue-green foliage
  • Flower: Small four-petaled pale purple or white blooms clustered at stem tips
  • Stem: Succulent branching stems adapted to salt spray and sandy substrates
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Care Guide

Watering

Water sparingly during prolonged dry spells; rely on natural rainfall where available

Fertilization

No regular fertilization required. Coastal sand provides sufficient natural nutrients; avoid fertilizing to prevent excessive, weak growth

Crushed eggshell powder:Sprinkle a thin layer on soil surface; no dilution needed; helps strengthen succulent foliage cell walls
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering period
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain plant appearance
  • Trim overgrown stems to control sprawling habit in formal coastal garden settings
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Coastal erosion control; edible young leaves in small quantities