SPOONWORT SEEDS

Cochlearia officinalis

ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC

Scurvy grass. Native to the salty seacoasts of Northern Europe, this fleshy edible weed was long employed as an antiscorbutic. Succulent leaves are rich in vitamins and have the unmistakable pleasant pungency of all cruciferous species. They are a fine and nourishing addition to salads and sandwiches. Historically they have also contributed to the odd vitamin-fortified English ale.

Little disheveled rosettes rarely grow taller than 1', and are festooned with tufts of white flowers in the second spring. They prefer to grow in cool moist well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of saline soils.

Typically the seeds of this species are best sown into the garden in autumn. If sown in spring, germination is improved with some cold. These seeds are from plants cultivated in the Netherlands and should germinate more reliably than those of wild plants no matter when and where they are sown. Avoid high temperatures.

Common to polar regions, we expect these plants to be extraordinarily hardy, but they are most commonly listed as zone 5. Will self-sow in perpetuity where they are happy.

Packet contains at least 300 seeds.