Origin
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata, commonly known as American searocket, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to the eastern coast of North America, from Newfoundland to Florida, and also found along the Great Lakes and in the central United States.
Common Names
American searocket, sea rocket, salt rocket, beach cabbage, American scurvygrass, and sea pea are some of the common names that are given to Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata.
Uses
Although it is not commonly used in modern medicine, some indigenous tribes in North America used it for various medicinal purposes. American searocket was used by Native Americans as a remedy for skin diseases and infections. It was also used as an antiscorbutic and as a poultice for wounds.
American searocket is an important sand stabilizer that can be used to help prevent beach erosion. It is also commonly used as an ornamental plant because of its attractive flowers.
General Appearance
American searocket is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are fleshy, green and lobed, and can grow up to 20 centimeters long. The plant produces small white or pale pink flowers that are 1-2 centimeters across, with four petals. The fruit is a long, narrow, cylindrical pod that is 2-5 centimeters long and contains many tiny seeds.
American searocket thrives in sandy coastal areas, and its striking appearance and impressive salt tolerance make it a favorite among gardeners as a specimen or landscaping plant.
Growth Conditions for Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata
Light Requirements: Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant does not tolerate shade or partial shade. Therefore, it grows best in open areas where it receives direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements: Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata grows in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers moderate temperatures, and its growth is limited by extreme temperatures. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as -20 °C and as high as 40 °C. During the germination stage, the ideal temperature ranges between 10 and 30 °C.
Soil Requirements: Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata grows well in sandy and loamy soils. The plant is well adapted to grow in coastal locations, where it prefers soils with high salt concentration. The ideal soil pH range for its growth is between 6.0 and 8.0. Additionally, the plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
Cultivation methods:
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata is a coastal plant and grows best in sandy, well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. It prefers full sun and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including salt spray and windy locations.
To cultivate this plant, it is recommended to sow the seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring or fall. The seeds should be planted around 1/4 inch deep and spaced about 6 inches apart, and the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Watering needs:
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata is tolerant of drought conditions and does not require frequent watering once established. In fact, overwatering can be detrimental to the plant, as it prefers well-drained soil. However, during the establishment phase, the plant should be watered regularly to help the seedlings establish roots.
Watering should be done around the base of the plant, aiming to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. To prevent water from sitting on the foliage, it is best to water in the early morning or in the evening.
Fertilization:
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata is a low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding compost or a slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth.
If the plant is grown in poor soil, a balanced fertilizer may be applied at the beginning of the growing season. It is essential to apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, as overfertilization can damage the plant.
Pruning:
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata does not require frequent pruning, as it has a naturally tidy growth habit. However, deadheading may be done to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
Deadheading is done by removing the spent flowers by pinching them off between your thumb and forefinger. This encourages the plant to redirect its energy towards new growth and more blooms.
If the plant becomes too leggy or out of control, it is recommended to cut it back to 1/3 of its height in early spring. This can promote bushier growth and fuller foliage.
Propagation of Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata is a perennial plant from the Brassicaceae family, mainly found in coastal sand dunes. Propagation of this plant species can be achieved through several methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cakile lanceolata is through seed propagation. The plant produces small, oval-shaped seeds that are black in color. Seeds can be collected in the late summer and early fall when they are fully mature. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before planting. Seeds can be directly sown into the soil, preferably in sandy soil, in the early spring. To speed up germination, the seeds can also be soaked in water for a few hours before planting.
Vegetative Propagation
While Cakile lanceolata is mainly propagated through seeds, it can also be propagated vegetatively. One way of doing this is through stem cuttings. Select healthy stem cuttings with a length of around 4-6 inches. Cut off the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and plant it in a well-draining potting medium. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until roots start to form.
Another method of vegetative propagation is through division. This method is suitable for more mature plants and is done by digging up the plant and dividing the rootball into several sections. Each section should contain enough roots and stem to establish new growth when planted. The sections can then be replanted in suitable soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Cakile lanceolata
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz ssp. lanceolata, commonly known as Sea Rocket, is a member of the mustard family. This plant species often suffers from disease and pest problems. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Cakile lanceolata and ways to manage them.
Disease management
1. Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease is one of the most common issues that Cakile lanceolata faces. The symptoms include a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, pruning the infected plant parts and improving air circulation around the plant is important. You may also use fungicides to kill the fungus.
2. Septoria Leaf Spot: This fungal disease appears as small, black, circular or angular spots on the leaves of the plant, which gradually enlarges and become sunken with grayish-white centers. Removing any infected plant parts and spraying fungicides can help manage this disease.
3. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange spots on the leaves and stem of the plant. It commonly occurs in moist areas. Spraying fungicides and maintaining good air circulation around the plant may help control this disease.
Pest management
1. Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the plant's sap and excrete waste material, causing yellowing and distortion of leaves. Insecticidal soaps, neem oil or horticultural oils can be used for controlling aphids.
2. Spider mites: These are tiny, sap-sucking mites that produce webbing under the leaves, causing yellowing or browning. Insecticidal soap sprays or horticultural oils can be used to control spider mites.
3. Caterpillars: The tobacco budworm is a common caterpillar pest that can feed on Cakile lanceolata, chewing holes in the leaves. You can pick them off by hand or use bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticides to prevent their infestation.
By taking timely measures and following proper management techniques, you can keep Cakile lanceolata healthy and vibrant for years to come!
