What Is Samphire
Samphire is a plant of green leaves with scale shape, tolerant to salt water, it grows spontaneously in salty environments.
Samphire is edible and their stemps have a high mineral content and are naturally salty.
Samphire is naturally a coastal rock or marsh perennial succulent plant.
Sow from March to May in moist compost or well drained soil, it needs a good drainage and should mostly stay moist.
How to grow samphire plant in soil ?
- Samphire can be cultivated from seeds either indoors in spring or autumn, or you have the option to purchase young plants for further cultivation.
- Plant the seeds between March and May in damp compost or well-draining soil, ensuring that the soil or compost never dries out entirely.
- Samphire thrives in a sunny and sheltered location, adapting well to various soil types. Additionally, you have the option of cultivating Samphire in a container or a rock herb gardens
- Irrigate using a mixture of unrefined sea salt and water, with a ratio of 5 teaspoons to 5 liters of water. Avoid using table salt or other varieties like Himalayan salt. During dry and warmer spells, ensure daily watering to maintain consistent moisture levels.
How to grow samphire from cuttings ?
Growing samphire from cuttings can be a bit challenging, as samphire typically reproduces through seeds or by its fleshy roots.
However, you can attempt to propagate samphire from cuttings by following these steps:
- Select Healthy Plants
Choose a healthy samphire plant from which to take cuttings.
Look for a plant that is well-established and shows no signs of disease or stress
- Take Cuttings:
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to take cuttings from the tips of the samphire stems. Cuttings should be around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long.
- Remove Lower Leaves:
Strip the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This helps reduce moisture loss and encourages root development.
- Rooting Hormone (Optional):
Although samphire is known for rooting easily, you can dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to enhance the rooting process. This step is optional but may increase success
- Planting:
Insert the cut end of the samphire cutting into a well-draining potting mix or sandy soil. Make a hole with a pencil or stick and place the cutting in the hole, then gently firm the soil around it
- Watering:
Water the cutting thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and provide moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide humidity
Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity around the cutting. This can improve the chances of successful rooting.
- Light and Temperature:
Place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may scorch the cutting. Maintain a warm environment, as samphire prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Transplanting:
Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, which may take several weeks, you can transplant it into a larger container or directly into the garden.
