Okahijiki

Germination

Sow directly, outside Apr-Jul. as soon as weather warms to 23-26°C. Can be started earlier or later with protection if desired. Sow 5mm deep into moist, well-drained seed compost. Space seeds at 10cm. Germination takes 7-10 days approx. Thin seedlings when large enough to handle to 15cm spacing. Thinnings can be eaten. Can be watered with ordinary or salt water.

Growing

Prefers a loose soil, rich in organic matter with a neutral pH in full sun. Once germinated these plants require little attention. Keep moist at all times, but not wet.

Cultivation

Harvest in bunches, when still small, older plants can become woody. Cut with scissors 3cm from the ground, new shoots should form offering a continual harvest. The stalks become inedible after flowering. Most commonly boiled and eaten as a leafy vegetable, similar to samphire. Can also be eaten raw.