Salicornia europaea
Sea asparagus
Common names: Saltwort, Salt herb
Photo: Marco Schmidt [1] · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Source
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Description
Salicornia europaea, commonly known as sea asparagus, saltwort, or salt herb, is a succulent halophyte that grows in salt marshes and brackish wetlands. Its fleshy, jointed stems are edible, tasting salty and crisp, reminiscent of a bite of the sea. The plant lacks true leaves and instead displays bright green to reddish stems that vary with the season. It forms low, dense shrubs and thrives only on saline substrates; without added salt it becomes stunted or dies.
Care instructions
Plant the sea asparagus in a sunny, warm spot with a well‑draining, sandy substrate. Regularly add a small amount of table salt or sea salt to the watering water, as the plant requires salt to thrive. Use a pot with a saucer to facilitate targeted watering. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; the roots tolerate dampness for weeks but not prolonged saturation. Harvest young stems continuously from July onward with scissors to encourage new growth. The harvest season ends by mid‑September (week 38 at the latest), after which the stems harden.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
sandy, well-drained, moist, lean
Feeding
Light feeder
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