Overview
Cakile edentula (Bigelow) Hook. ssp. edentula var. edentula, commonly known as American sea rocket or sea rocket, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is a perennial plant found in the coastal areas of North America.
Origin
The plant is native to North America and can be found along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico coasts. It grows naturally in sandy and rocky beaches, dunes, and salt marshes.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as American sea rocket or sea rocket, because of its ability to launch its seeds with explosive force, similar to a rocket launch.
General Appearance
The plant has a unique and distinctive appearance, with thick, fleshy leaves that are grey-green in color and wavy at the edges. The stems are upright, branching, and can reach up to 30 cm in height. The flowers are small, with four white petals, and form clusters at the end of the stems. They bloom from May to September.
Uses
American sea rocket has been traditionally used as food by Native Americans, who collected it and dried it for later use. Because it grows in salt marshes and sandy beaches, it is also used in land management to stabilize and protect coastal dunes from erosion. Its deep roots help to anchor the sand, and the plant's above-ground foliage provides shade and wind protection.
Light Requirements
Cakile edentula var. edentula thrives in full sun exposure and requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In shaded areas or environments with insufficient light, the plant tends to become leggy, exhibit poor growth, and produce fewer flowers and seeds.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to coastal environments and can tolerate salt spray and wind. It grows well in cooler temperatures ranging between 50° and 68°F (10° to 20°C), but it can also tolerate higher temperatures such as those experienced during summers.
Soil Requirements
Cakile edentula var. edentula is often found growing on sand dunes and sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast, where soil drainage is excellent, and salinity levels are high. The plant prefers well-drained sandy soil or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0–7.5. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it may not grow optimally or produce viable seeds.
Cultivation methods
Cakile edentula var. edentula commonly known as the American searocket, is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that can be grown in a variety of soil types. The best soil types for this plant are sandy or sandy loam soil. They grow well in full sunlight or light shade and can tolerate high salt concentrations in the soil.
This plant can be propagated from seeds. Plant the seeds at a depth of approximately 0.25 inches in well-draining soil. The seeds will germinate within one to two weeks at a temperature range of 60-75°F. Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location after they have developed their second set of leaves.
Watering needs
Cakile edentula var. edentula is a drought-resistant plant and requires minimal watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the first growing season to help establish its roots. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Once the plant is established, it does not require frequent watering unless there is a prolonged period of drought. In such cases, water the plant deeply once or twice a week to keep the soil around the roots moist.
Fertilization
Cakile edentula var. edentula does not require much fertilization. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring using a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to get it on the leaves or stems. Water the plant after fertilization to help the nutrients reach the plant's roots.
Pruning
Cakile edentula var. edentula does not require regular pruning. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as they appear. Prune the plant to shape it if you desire a particular shape or size. Prune in the late winter or early spring before the new growth appears.
Propagation of Cakile edentula ssp. edentula var. edentula
Cakile edentula ssp. edentula var. edentula, commonly known as sea rocket, is a salt-tolerant plant species that propagates sexually and asexually. There are several methods of propagation that can be used to produce more plants.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for sea rocket. The seeds of Cakile edentula are small and need light for germination. The best time to plant seeds is in the early spring or late fall, directly into the ground in a sandy or well-draining soil. Seeds can also be started indoors in trays with sterile soil. Once the seedlings have grown, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are another method of propagating Cakile edentula. Cuttings are taken from the stems of the plant and grown in a sandy or well-drained soil. The cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and treated with rooting hormone before planting. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a method of propagating Cakile edentula by dividing the roots of an established plant. This method is best done in the early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the plant, and divide the root crown into sections, making sure that each section has roots and above-ground growth. Replant the divided sections in their permanent location.
Disease Management
Cakile edentula is generally a relatively disease-resistant species, but some diseases can infect and damage the plant, including:
Alternaria leaf spot
Alternaria spp. fungi cause small, sunken lesions with yellow halos on the leaves. Regularly remove severely infected plants to reduce the chances of spread. Fungicides and systematic fungicides are the most common management options.
Rust diseases
These fungal diseases produce discolored, raised spots on the leaves and stem. Rusts can be managed through regular monitoring and removing infected tissues. Fungicide sprays can also provide some protection.
Cankers and blights
Botrytis cinerea and other fungi cause cankers and blights on stems and leaves, leading to wilting and necrosis. Remove infected leaves and stems, and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease. Good sanitation practices and proper watering can help prevent infection.
Pest Management
Cakile edentula can attract various pests that can reduce yield and weaken the plant, including:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking insects that produce yellowing, stippled leaves and webs on the plant. They can be controlled through regular monitoring and misting the plants with water to reduce the dry conditions they thrive in.
Cutworms
Cutworms are larvae of several moth species and can cut through the stem of seedlings, leading to their death. They can be trapped with sticky barriers and managed with several insecticides that target cutworms.
Slugs and snails
Slugs and snails can eat young seedlings and produce large holes in the leaves. Reduce slug populations by removing mulch or weed piles and can be manage by application of beer-traps and by using chemical baits.
Monitoring for pests and diseases regularly, good sanitation practices, careful watering, and removing infected plants can help control diseases and pests in the Cakile edentula plant. Chemical control should only be used under severe infestations.
