Oyster Leaf Leaves on a white background.
Closeup of an Oyster Leaf plant in the garden.
Oyster Leaf in oyster shell on countertop
Oyster Leaf Leaves on a white background.
Closeup of an Oyster Leaf plant in the garden.
Oyster Leaf in oyster shell on countertop

Oyster Leaf Seeds

2.816 ReviewsSKU: #HB178Min. seed count: 15
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Description

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 aromatic plant in their garden. Hardy to zone 3; seeds can take a month to germinate. Hard to find!

Growing Tips: Sow seeds in fall or in very early spring, otherwise place the seeds in the fridge for several weeks. Remove seeds from fridge and germinate at 65-70 F. Germination may be slow and erratic.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Mertensia maritima
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
14–80
Days to Maturity
98–126
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8 in.
Ideal Temperature
30–78°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Oyster leaf germination is aided and sped by a cold period, so plan around it. You can direct sow in late winter to let the seed take its cold exposure outdoors, or start indoors 8 to 12 weeks before your last frost; in that case, place the seed on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag, or in a tray, and keep it in a cold spot such as the refrigerator for 30 days first. Sow 1/4 inch deep. After that cold period, hold the seed at 65 to 70 F; germination can take anywhere from 14 to 80 days.

How to Sow and Plant

  • 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.

How to Grow

  • 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.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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.

FAQ

Why is my oyster leaf seed taking so long to come up?

That is normal. Germination ranges from 14 to 80 days and can be slow and erratic. A cold period before sowing aids and speeds the process.

What soil and spacing does oyster leaf want?

Give oyster leaf well-drained, preferably sandy soil and space plants 8 inches apart. This low-growing maritime plant wants full sun, 6 to 12 hours, in cool-summer regions, with afternoon shade only where summers are hot. It really thrives in pots or containers, which also lifts it away from snails, the one pest to watch for. Diatomaceous earth is another option.

What do oyster leaf leaves taste like, and when should I pick them?

The thick, tender leaves taste similar to oysters with a hint of seaweed flavor, and are perfect in salads and other raw dishes. Harvest early in the morning for the best flavor.
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