Plant Description:
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz var. geniculata (B.L. Robins.) Shinners is a flowering plant species from the family Brassicaceae. It is a small annual herb that grows to about 30-50cm in height and has a sprawling habit. The plant is characterized by its thick succulent stems, linear to spatulate leaves, and white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Origin:
Cakile lanceolata var. geniculata is native to coastal regions of the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands. It grows in sandy soils and is often found along dunes and beaches. The plant is well adapted to saltwater spray and can tolerate flooding and drought.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as American searocket, sea purslane, and sea rocket.
Uses:
Cakile lanceolata var. geniculata is a valuable plant due to its high salt tolerance and the ability to use its roots to stabilize sand dunes. The plant can also be used as a natural barrier against coastal erosion. Additionally, the leaves and stems of the plant are edible and can be used in salads or pickled like capers.
Light Requirements
Cakile lanceolata var. geniculata requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant shows poor growth and development in areas with shaded conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows best in a temperature range of 60-75 °F (15.5-23.9 °C). It is capable of tolerating heat and cold stress to a certain extent, but subjected to severe temperature extremes may affect plant growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Cakile lanceolata var. geniculata requires well-drained soils and is known to tolerate poor fertility and saline soil conditions. The plant grows best in sandy or rocky soils with pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Although it tolerates drought conditions, it may require occasional irrigation in arid regions to maintain growth.
Cultivation
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz var. geniculata (B.L. Robins.) Shinners commonly known as sea rocket or beach mustard is a coastal plant that is native to North America. It thrives in sandy soils and can withstand the harsh salty winds of coastal environments. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
To cultivate the plant, you should first select a sunny location with well-draining soil. The pH of the soil should range between 6.5 to 8.0. You can add organic matter to improve the soil structure. If planting the seeds directly, rake the soil surface to loosen it and create furrows. Sow the seeds and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water them gently and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Thin out the seedlings once they are established to avoid overcrowding.
If transplanting the seedlings, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the roots in the hole and backfill with soil. Water the plant deeply to help the roots settle.
Watering Needs
Cakile lanceolata var. geniculata requires moderate watering. The plant is drought-tolerant but will appreciate regular watering. Ensure the soil maintains moisture during the first few weeks after planting to aid in development. Established plants need watering at least once a week, especially during hot and dry seasons. The best watering method is a slow drip at the base of the plant to allow deep penetration of water into the soil.
Fertilization
Cakile lanceolata var. geniculata is adapted to low soil fertility and rarely requires fertilization. In nutrient-deficient soils, a moderate application of a balanced fertilizer may be beneficial. However, the fertilizer must be applied sparingly to avoid harming the plant's natural growth habit. For sandy soils, use slow-release fertilizers to minimize nutrient leaching.
Pruning
Cakile lanceolata var. geniculata does not require pruning except for removing dead or damaged leaves. Trim them off regularly to keep the plant looking neat. Trimming also helps to control the plant's height and spread, especially if grown in a limited space. If you wish to contain the plant's spread, you can harvest the seeds before they scatter and spread the plant beyond desired limits.
Propagation of Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz var. geniculata (B.L. Robins.) Shinners
Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz var. geniculata (B.L. Robins.) Shinners, commonly known as Wild Rocket, is a plant that can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. These propagation methods include seed propagation, cuttings, layering, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seed propagation is the most common propagation method for Cakile lanceolata. Seeds can be collected when the seed pods have turned brown. The seed pods should be harvested before they open or else the seeds will fall out. Place the harvested pods in a paper bag to allow them to dry and split open. Afterward, separate the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry location.
The seeds should be planted in a soil mixture and kept moist until germination. Germination time can vary from two to seven weeks. Once the seedlings have reached about 4 inches, they can be transplanted into individual pots and placed in a covered area.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings are another method for propagating Cakile lanceolata. Stem cuttings can be taken, and the leaves should be removed to prevent water loss. Dip the cutting into rooting powder and plant it into a potting mixture. Keep in a shaded location and ensure the soil remains moist. Within a few weeks, the cutting should begin to root, and new growth should appear. After a few more weeks, the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Propagation by Layering
Layering involves promoting root growth on an attached stem before severing it from the mother plant. Select a low-lying branch that can be bent down to the ground. Scrape away a small section of the bark where the stem touches the soil. Bury the area under 2-3 inches of soil and add mulch to hold in moisture. Within a few weeks, new roots should be established. Once these roots are well established, the new plant can be separated and transplanted.
Propagation by Division
Finally, Cakile lanceolata can also be propagated by dividing the root mass. It is best to divide the plant when it is dormant in the fall. Start by removing the plant from the soil and cleaning the roots. Gently pull apart the clumps of roots, and replant them in a soil mixture. Keep the newly separated plants moist and in a shaded location until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Cakile lanceolata var. geniculata is prone to fungal infections, especially during the growing season. The two most common fungal infections are leaf spot and powdery mildew. Leaf spot results in brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. Powdery mildew results in a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems. Applying a fungicide every two weeks, especially during humid conditions, can help to manage these fungal infections.
Additionally, the plant can be susceptible to root rot, which is caused by overwatering. To avoid root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant. If root rot occurs, the plant may need to be repotted in fresh soil.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Cakile lanceolata var. geniculata are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant and can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Spider mites are also small insects that feed on the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves and visible webs on the stems. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to manage these pests.
Caterpillars can also be a problem for this plant, as they feed on the leaves and can cause defoliation. Handpicking the caterpillars or using a biological control agent like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can help to manage the infestation.
Lastly, the plant can be susceptible to damage from snails and slugs, which feed on the leaves and stems. Using a slug and snail bait or removing them manually can help to manage this pest.
