Profile

CochleariaCochlearia

A vitamin-rich herb with a pungent taste, ideal for salads and as ground cover. Winter-hardy and easy to care for.

Cochlearia (Cochlearia): plant portrait for plant portrait - Mustard family, Harvest Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov, Direct
Cochlearia: plant portrait. harvest: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Quick profile

Key data

Planting

Apr, May

Harvest

Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Water

medium

Good neighbors

Garden strawberryLettuceGarden pea

Avoid

CabbageRadish

Growing data

Cochlearia Growing data

Seed depth

0.5 - 1 cm

Plant spacing

15 - 25 cm

Row spacing

20 - 30 cm

Germination temp

10 - 18 °C

Sowing and germination

Seed depth0.5 - 1 cm
Germination temp10 - 18 °C
Germination time7 - 21 days
Seed viability3 - 5 years
Light germinatorYes
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorYes
Stratification neededYes
Pre-soaking recommendedNo
Direct sowing possibleYes
Pre-culture recommendedNo

Planting and spacing

Plant spacing15 - 25 cm
Row spacing20 - 30 cm
Plants per m²16 - 25 per m²
Spacing1-4

Temperature and site

Soil temperature5 - 10 °C
Growing temperaturefrom 0 °C
Optimal temperature10 - 20 °C
Frost sensitiveNo
Late frost sensitiveNo
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancehigh

Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium
Critical water phasesDuring germination, During dry spells
Watering methodGround-level watering
Droughtmedium
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needmedium_feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 5 l; Recommended: from 10 l; Diameter: from 20 cm; Depth: from 20 cm
SupportNo
Height20 - 50 cm
Width20 - 30 cm
Root depth15 - 25 cm
Root spread15 - 25 cm
Yield0.1 - 0.3 kg

Year plan

Cochlearia Calendar

All plants
Indoor sowingDirect sowingPlantingHarvest

Indoor sowing

No data

Indoor pre-cultivation is not common for scurvygrass, as it can be sown directly.

Direct sowing

MarAprAugSep

Direct sowing in spring or late summer/autumn for harvest in the following year.

Planting

AprMay

If seedlings were pre-cultivated, plant out after the last frosts.

Harvest

MarAprMaySepOctNov

Leaves can be harvested almost year-round, best before flowering in spring and then again in autumn.

Year plan
  1. Direct sowing
  2. Harvest
  3. Direct sowing
  4. Planting out
  5. Harvest
  6. Watering
  7. Watering
  8. Maintenance
  9. Watering
  10. Direct sowing
  11. Direct sowing
  12. Harvest
  13. Harvest
  14. Harvest

Growing

Cochlearia Site, soil and care

Spacing

15 - 25 cm

Storage

Fresh, Frozen, Dried

Pruning

Cochlearia Pruning

not_applicable

Goal

not_applicable

Tools and hygiene

Use clean tools to prevent disease transmission.

Companion guide

Cochlearia Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

Garden strawberryLettuceGarden pea

Avoid

CabbageRadish

Health

Pests, Diseases

FAQ

When is the best harvest time for scurvygrass?

Young leaves can be harvested almost year-round, but ideally before flowering in spring (March-May) and then again in autumn (September-November). After the first frost, the leaves often become milder in flavor.

Can scurvygrass be grown in pots?

Yes, scurvygrass is well-suited for growing in pots or containers. Choose a container with at least 5-10 liters volume and good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

What diseases and pests affect scurvygrass?

Scurvygrass is relatively robust. Occasionally, aphids or flea beetles may appear. With close crop rotation with other brassicas, there is a risk of clubroot.

What does scurvygrass taste like?

Scurvygrass has a pungent, slightly peppery taste, reminiscent of cress or horseradish. It is rich in Vitamin C.

Related plants

Cabbage (general)

Same family

Both belong to the mustard family (Brassicaceae).

Radish

Same family

Both belong to the mustard family (Brassicaceae).

Spinach

Same crop groupSimilar water needs

Leafy green used raw or cooked.

Both prefer consistent soil moisture and are sensitive to drought.

Parsley

Same crop group

Herbs for fresh use and seasoning.

Clubroot

Shared diseases

Typical disease of brassicas with close crop rotation.

Aphids

Shared diseases

Common pest on young shoots of many plants, including brassicas.

Lettuce

Similar nutrient needs

Both are medium feeders and benefit from moderate nutrient supply.

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-14

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-14

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Löffelkräuter

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-14

  4. English Wikipedia: Cochlearia

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-14

Details

More public plant data

Names
Common

Cochlearia

Plural

Cochlearia

BotanicalCochlearia
Botanical authorL.
Synonyms
  1. scurvygrass
  2. spoonwort
Common synonyms
  1. scurvygrass
  2. spoonwort
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
  1. Cochlearia
  2. scurvygrass
  3. spoonwort
Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
OrderBrassicales
Family botanicalBrassicaceae
Family

Mustard family

Family idbrassicaceae
TribeCochlearieae
GenusCochlearia
Hybrid statusnot_hybrid
Classification
Perennialyes
Woodyno
Treeno
Shrubno
Edible parts
  1. leaves
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Notes

Indoor pre-cultivation is not common for scurvygrass, as it can be sown directly.

Sowing outdoor
Months
  1. 3
  2. 4
  3. 8
  4. 9
Earliest month3
Latest month9
Notes

Direct sowing in spring or late summer/autumn for harvest in the following year.

Planting out
Months
  1. 4
  2. 5
Earliest month4
Latest month5
Notes

If seedlings were pre-cultivated, plant out after the last frosts.

Harvest
Months
  1. 3
  2. 4
  3. 5
  4. 9
  5. 10
  6. 11
Earliest month3
Latest month11
Notes

Leaves can be harvested almost year-round, best before flowering in spring and then again in autumn.

Month tasks
3
  1. Begin direct sowing outdoors.

  2. Harvest first leaves.

4
  1. Continue direct sowing.

  2. Plant out seedlings.

  3. Harvest regularly.

5
  1. Harvest regularly.

  2. Ensure sufficient moisture.

6
  1. Water if necessary.

  2. Remove spent flowers to encourage or prevent self-seeding.

7
  1. Water if necessary.

8
  1. Direct sow for autumn/winter harvest or next spring.

9
  1. Continue direct sowing.

  2. Harvest autumn leaves.

10
  1. Continue harvesting.

11
  1. Last harvest before winter.

Structured month tasks
3
  1. Tasksow_outdoor
    Label

    Direct sowing

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditionfrostfrei
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Start direct sowing for an early harvest.

  2. Taskharvest
    Label

    Harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditionausreichende Blattgröße
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest first tender leaves.

4
  1. Tasksow_outdoor
    Label

    Direct sowing

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionfrostfrei
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Continue direct sowing.

  2. Taskplant_out
    Label

    Planting out

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionnach den letzten Frösten
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Transplant pre-cultivated seedlings into the bed.

  3. Taskharvest
    Label

    Harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionausreichende Blattgröße
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Regular harvesting promotes regrowth.

5
  1. Taskharvest
    Label

    Harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionausreichende Blattgröße
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest before flowering for the best flavor.

  2. Taskwatering
    Label

    Watering

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    ConditionTrockenheit
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Ensure consistent soil moisture.

6
  1. Taskwatering
    Label

    Watering

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    ConditionTrockenheit
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Water regularly during prolonged dry spells.

  2. Taskmaintenance
    Label

    Maintenance

    Prioritylow
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionnach der Blüte
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Remove spent flowers to manage self-seeding.

7
  1. Taskwatering
    Label

    Watering

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 7
    ConditionTrockenheit
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Ensure consistent soil moisture to prevent bitterness.

8
  1. Tasksow_outdoor
    Label

    Direct sowing

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 8
    ConditionBodenfeuchte
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Sow for an autumn/winter harvest or for the next spring.

9
  1. Tasksow_outdoor
    Label

    Direct sowing

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    ConditionBodenfeuchte
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Last sowing for overwintering and early harvest next year.

  2. Taskharvest
    Label

    Harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionausreichende Blattgröße
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest autumn leaves, which are often milder in flavor.

10
  1. Taskharvest
    Label

    Harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    Conditionfrostfrei
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest possible until the first hard frost.

11
  1. Taskharvest
    Label

    Harvest

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 11
    Conditionmilder Winter
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    In mild weather, leaves can still be harvested.

Cultivation specs
Seed
Seed depth cm min.0.5
Seed depth cm max.1
Light germinatoryes
Dark germinatorno
Cold germinatoryes
Stratification neededyes
Pre soaking recommendedno
Germination temperature c min.10
Germination temperature c max.18
Germination days min.7
Germination days max.21
Seed lifespan years min.3
Seed lifespan years max.5
Direct sowing possibleyes
Pre culture recommendedno
Spacing
Plant spacing cm min.15
Plant spacing cm max.25
Row spacing cm min.20
Row spacing cm max.30
Recommended density per sqm min.16
Recommended density per sqm max.25
Thinning distance15 cm
Square foot gardening spacing1-4
Spacing notes

Allow sufficient space for bushy growth, as scurvygrass can spread.

Growth dimensions
Height cm min.20
Height cm max.50
Width cm min.20
Width cm max.30
Root depth cm min.15
Root depth cm max.25
Root spread cm min.15
Root spread cm max.25
Growth speedmedium
Final size notes
Temperature
Min. growing temperature0 °C
Optimal temperature c min.10
Optimal temperature c max.20
Max. heat tolerance25 °C
Soil temperature for sowing c min.5
Soil temperature for sowing c optimal10
Frost sensitiveno
Late frost sensitiveno
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancehigh
Temperature notes

Tolerates frost well, but prefers cool temperatures for optimal growth and flavor.

Water
Water needmedium
Critical water phases
  1. During germination
  2. During dry spells
Drought tolerantno
Drought sensitivitymedium
Waterlogging sensitiveyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Water notes

Consistent moisture is important, absolutely avoid waterlogging.

Nutrition
Nutrient groupmedium_feeder
Heavy feederno
Medium feederyes
Light feederno
Nitrogen needmedium
Phosphorus needmedium
Potassium needmedium
Calcium needmedium
Magnesium needmedium
Compost recommendedyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow
Nutrition notes

Requires moderate nutrient supply. An annual application of compost in spring is usually sufficient.

Container
Container suitableyes
Min. pot volume5 l
Recommended pot volume10 l
Min. pot depth20 cm
Min. pot diameter20 cm
Plants per container min.1
Plants per container max.2
Drainage requiredyes
Repotting neededno
Container notes

Choose a sufficiently large container with good drainage for healthy development.

Support
Needs supportno
Support recommendedno
Climbingno
Viningno
Trellis recommendedno
Training requiredno
Support notes
Cultivation modes
Outdoor bed suitableyes
Raised bed suitableyes
Container suitableyes
Balcony suitableyes
Greenhouse suitableyes
Polytunnel suitableyes
Indoor suitableyes
Windowsill suitableyes
Hydroponic possibleno
Permaculture suitableyes
No dig suitableyes
Yield density
Yield per plant min.0.1
Yield per plant max.0.3
Yield unitkg
Yield per sqm min.1
Yield per sqm max.3
Yield reliabilityhigh
Yield notes

Regular harvesting of outer leaves promotes regrowth and extends the harvest period.

Site
Sun exposure
  1. Full sun
  2. Partial shade
Wind exposure
  1. Sheltered
  2. Moderately windy
Slope preference
  1. Flat
  2. Gentle slope
Aspect preference
  1. North
  2. East
  3. West
Microclimate notes

Prefers cool, moist locations, e.g., at the edge of a pond or under light trees. In hot regions, partial shade is beneficial.

Soil
Soil type
  1. Loamy-sandy
  2. Humus-rich
PH min.6
PH max.7.5
Drainage

Well-drained

Texture
  1. Medium
Organic matter content

High

Soil notes

Prefers moist, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soils. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.

Watering
Frequency

Regularly, especially during dry periods and germination

Amount per event l per sqm5
Watering method
  1. Ground-level watering
Mulching benefits

Helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Watering notes

Consistent soil moisture is crucial for good growth and mild flavor. Waterlogging leads to root rot.

Nutrition
Fertilizer type
  1. Compost
  2. Organic complete fertilizer
Application frequency

Once annually in spring

Application method

Incorporate superficially or as a mulch layer

Nutrient deficiency signs
  1. Yellow leaves (nitrogen deficiency)
  2. Reddish discoloration (phosphorus deficiency)
Soil amendments
  1. Compost
  2. Well-rotted manure
Nutrition notes

As a medium feeder, scurvygrass requires moderate nutrient supply. An annual application of compost is usually sufficient.

Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Possibleyes
Interval days min.30
Interval days max.60
Bed planning notes

Well-suited for herb gardens, as ground cover, or at the edge of moist beds. Can spread by self-seeding.

Rotation prioritylow
Interplanting potentialhigh
Crop rotation
Notes

Scurvygrass belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Subsequent crops from the same family should be avoided to prevent diseases like clubroot. A break of 3-4 years is recommended.

Prioritylow
Deficiencies
Notes

Deficiency symptoms are rare with balanced fertilization and good soil. Yellow leaves may indicate nitrogen deficiency, while red discoloration can suggest phosphorus or potassium deficiency.

Problems
Notes

Main problems are unfavorable growing conditions such as waterlogging, extreme drought, or nutrient deficiency, which can lead to weak growth and low yield. Self-seeding can occur strongly under favorable conditions.

Problem management
Common pest groups
  1. Aphids
  2. Flea beetles
Common disease groups
  1. Clubroot (with close rotation)
  2. Fungal diseases (rare)
Prevention principles
  1. Good crop rotation (at least 3-4 years break for brassicas).
  2. Sufficient nutrient supply and consistent watering.
  3. Good soil aeration and avoidance of waterlogging.
  4. Encouraging beneficial insects with flowering neighbors.
Diagnosis notes

For leaf problems, check for pests (e.g., aphids) or nutrient deficiencies (yellow/red leaves). For root deformities, consider clubroot and adjust crop rotation.

Disease graph
Scopegenus
Profiles
  1. Slugclubroot
    Severitymedium
    Conditions
    1. Moist, acidic soil
    2. Close rotation with brassicas
    Affected parts
    1. Roots
    2. Overall plant
    Prevention
    1. Liming to raise pH
    2. Long crop rotation (4-5 years)
    3. Resistant varieties (if available)
    4. Good drainage
    Organic control
    1. Soil improvement with compost
    2. Growing in raised beds
  2. Slugaphids
    Severitylow
    Conditions
    1. Drought
    2. High temperatures
    3. Weak plants
    Affected parts
    1. Young leaves
    2. Shoot tips
    Prevention
    1. Encouraging beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings)
    2. Strengthening plants through good care
    3. Growing repellent herbs nearby
    Organic control
    1. Spraying with water jet
    2. Soap solution
    3. Neem oil
Diagnostic rules
  1. Symptom

    Swollen, gall-like growths on the roots leading to stunted growth and yellowing.

    Possible causes
    1. clubroot
    First checks
    1. Check soil pH (acidic?)
    2. Check crop rotation (brassicas before?)
  2. Symptom

    Small, green or black insects on young shoots and leaf undersides, sticky honeydew, curled leaves.

    Possible causes
    1. aphids
    First checks
    1. Inspect plants for pests
    2. Look for beneficial insects
Prevention strategy
Cultural
  1. Strict crop rotation, with at least a 3-4 year break for brassicas.
  2. Optimize the soil: enough lime to raise pH (target pH 6.5-7.5), good drainage, and incorporated compost.
  3. Site selection: avoid waterlogging and ensure good air circulation.
  4. Strengthen plants through balanced fertilization and watering as needed.
Monitoring
  1. Regularly inspect plants for pests, especially in dry weather, and disease symptoms.
  2. Inspect roots if clubroot is suspected, for example with weak growth.
Organic first response
  1. For aphid infestation: rinse with water and use neem oil or potassium soap solution.
  2. If clubroot is suspected: improve soil, grow in raised beds, and if needed switch to non-susceptible crops.
Notes

Prevention is key to avoiding problems. A healthy soil and good plant care are fundamental. When diseases appear, prompt action and adaptation of cultivation methods are important.

Diagnosis
Notes

Diagnosing problems with scurvygrass relies mainly on observing symptoms on leaves and roots, as well as considering growing conditions and crop rotation. Accurate identification of the cause is crucial for effective management.

Phenology
Stages
  1. Germination
  2. Growth
  3. Flowering
  4. Fruiting
  5. Seed ripening
Notes

Scurvygrass is a perennial herbaceous plant that forms a rosette of leaves in the first year and flowers and fruits in the second year. The flowering period extends from spring into summer.

Harvest
  1. Leaves
  2. Stems
Harvest details
Harvest frequency

Continuously during the growing season, especially before flowering and in autumn.

Harvest indicators
  1. Sufficient leaf size
  2. Before flowering for best flavor
Post harvest handling

Use harvested leaves and stems immediately or store them cool. Sort out damaged parts.

Storage
  1. Fresh
  2. Frozen
  3. Dried
Storage details
General storage category

Cool and dry

Storage life

Fresh: a few days in the refrigerator. Frozen: several months. Dried: up to 1 year.

Processing options
  1. Freezing
  2. Drying
  3. Pickling in vinegar or oil
Kitchen usage

The young leaves and stems are used raw in salads, as a seasoning, or for vitamin enrichment. They have a sharp, slightly peppery flavor. When cooked, they can be prepared like spinach.

Safety and edibility
Edible parts
  1. Leaves
  2. Young shoots
  3. Stems
Inedible or caution parts
Toxicity notes

No known toxic properties with normal consumption. Contains mustard oil glycosides, which are responsible for the pungent taste.

Raw consumption

Yes, especially the young, tender leaves.

Seed saving
  1. Seeds
  2. Self-pollinator
Seed saving advanced
Isolation distance5 m
Seed cleaning method

Sieving and wind or water cleaning.

Seed storage conditions

Cool, dry, and dark in airtight containers.

Notes

As scurvygrass is a self-pollinator, seed purity is relatively easy to ensure. However, if growing multiple varieties or related species, some isolation is advisable to prevent cross-contamination.

Woody crop details
Rootstock relevancenot_applicable
Renewal pruning relevancenot_applicable
Notes

Scurvygrass is an herbaceous plant, not a woody variety. Therefore, details for woody crops are not applicable.

Ecology
Pollinator valuemedium
Wildlife valuelow
Biodiversity notes

Scurvygrass provides early nectar for insects and can contribute to humus formation as a ground cover. It is a robust plant that thrives even in harsher climates.