Silver Sea Holly Seeds - Eryngium Maritimum - Edible, Beautiful, and Perennial
Quantity: 20 Seeds
Silver Sea Holly is a member of the Carrot family, Apiaceae. These plants originate in The Mediterranean and Coastal Europe, and live as perennials. This is a very functional plant as it's edible, ornamental, and repels pests. The roots are most commonly consumed, but just like asparagus, the young shoots and leaves can be blanched and eaten in the spring. The roots taste very delicious; sort of like a cross between parsnips and chestnuts. Historically, the roots have been considered so tasty that they were sweetened and consumed as candy. Of the different sea holly varieties, the silver sea holly produces the largest and tastiest roots.
The flowers, much like other members of the Apiaceae family, attract bees and other beneficial pollinators. Planting sea holly anywhere near the garden will increase pollination of crops and other plants in the area. Just like thistles, the leaves of this plant are quite sharp, so it's ideal to wear gloves when handling. This is why the plants repel rodents such as rabbits, rats, and squirrels when planted as a barrier around a garden.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
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Growing Instructions
Sea Holly seeds need to be stratified, so either keep them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks, or sow them directly in the ground before the soil is too cold to work. They need light to germinate, so sow them on the surface of the soil. If the temperature is around 20ÂșC, tiny plants should emerge in 1-2 weeks. These plants thrive in hot and dry conditions, so even though they need be watered, be sure that the soil has adequate drainage. If grown indoors, harden off before planting in its final location. The roots are sweetest when harvested in the autumn once the frost sets in. roots can be harvested any time throughout the winter, just so long as the soil can be worked. Although the young plants don't like to have their roots disturbed, it is okay to divide the crowns into more plants each spring, or when harvested throughout the autumn and winter.