Oystler Leaf greens and blooms in oyster shell.

How To Grow Oyster Leaf Seeds

Updated on Dec 30, 2021
By Shannon McCabe

Latin name Mertensia maritima is an herbaceous perennial member of the borage family. This delicious plant is aptly named for its tolerance to maritime exposure and can be found growing wild along the Scottish coast. It received its common name because the thick, tender leaves taste similar to oysters with a hint of seaweed flavor. Perfect in salads and other raw dishes. Because of its beauty and hardiness, some gardeners say they will never be without this amazingly aromatic plant in their garden. Hardy to USDA zone 3; seeds can take a month to germinate. Hard to find!

HISTORY

Native to Britain and northern Europe along the rough, pebbly coastlines. This wild and delectable green is traditionally a rare, foraged delicacy recently discovered as a gourmet ingredient and highly sought after by chefs.

USES

  • Edible ornamental
  • Potted plant, cottage garden
  • Fascinating edible leafy green with unique flavor, popular with chefs, especially those who love to experiement with new ingredients or who dabble in molecular gastronomy!

Close-up Oyster Leaf plant growing in garden.Close-up Oyster Leaf plant growing in garden.

  • A cold period will aid and speed germination.
  • You can direct sow seeds in late winter for cold exposure (aka stratification) or you can start the seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before last frost.
  • Start on a damp paper towel in a plastic baggie or in a tray and stick the bag or tray in a cold location, ideally the fridge, for 30 days.
  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
  • Seeds germinate in 14-80 days.
  • After the seeds have been stratified, the ideal germination temperature is 65-78 F.
Close-up Oyster Leaf folded.Close-up Oyster Leaf folded.

  • This low-growing maritime plant prefers part shade and will suffer in a very hot and sunny location.
  • Provide well- drained, preferably sandy, soil. Space plants 8 inches apart.
  • Plants really thrive when grown in pots or containers to prevent snails infestation.
  • Leaves should be harvested early in the morning for best flavor.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Snails can be a pest of oyster leaf. Try growing in a pot to keep the plant high up and away from hungry snails, or use diatomaceous earth.
Gardener holding Oyster Leaf leaves. Gardener holding Oyster Leaf leaves.

  • Allow plant to set flowers
  • As the flowers mature petals will drop off, exposing the seed capsule.
    Gather whole flower stems when most of the seeds are mature, before seeds begin to drop off.
  • Lay out the stems on cardboard or a screen to continue to dry. Seeds will drop off as they fully mature and dry.
  • Seeds should be dark brown.
  • Store in a cool, dry, and dark place until you are ready to plant.
Oyster leaf growing in gardenOyster leaf growing in garden