Marsh Samphire
Salicornia europaea
Marsh samphire — that crunchy, salty 'sea asparagus' served with fish — can be grown at home with a bit of effort. It needs salt water and gritty, free-draining compost; mix horticultural sand and compost 50:50 and water with seawater (or 35g sea salt dissolved in 1 litre of water). Sow seed in March or April under cover at 18–22°C; germination is erratic. Plant out into trays sitting in shallow saltwater after frosts. Harvest succulent tips from June to September by snipping with scissors — leave the woody bases. An annual, so save seed from late flowers for next year. A genuinely unusual crop that solves the problem of what to do with that patch of poor sandy soil.
Plan where to grow Marsh Samphire using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Sow Marsh Samphire
Sow marsh samphire in March, April.
Time to Harvest Marsh Samphire
Expect to harvest approximately 3 months after sowing, usually from June to September.
Expected Yield
A seed tray yields enough tips for several meals each summer.
Common Problems with Marsh Samphire
Poor germination
Seed is naturally erratic. Sow thickly, keep at 18–22°C and don't give up — seedlings can appear over several weeks.
Plants collapsing
Without salt, samphire weakens and dies. Water with weak saltwater (1–3% salinity) once seedlings are 5cm tall and increase strength gradually.
Woody, fibrous stems
Pick young tips regularly — once stems flower they turn woody. Stop harvesting in September and let a few plants set seed for next year.
Marsh Samphire: common questions
When should I sow marsh samphire in the UK?
Sow marsh samphire from March to April. Sow under cover (a greenhouse, windowsill or heated propagator) and plant out once the weather has warmed.
How far apart should I plant marsh samphire?
Space marsh samphire about 10cm apart. It grows to around 25cm tall.
How long does marsh samphire take to germinate?
Marsh Samphire seeds usually germinate in 14–21 days (erratic), depending on temperature.
When is marsh samphire ready to harvest?
In the UK, marsh samphire is usually harvested from June to September. It's ready about 3 months after sowing.
Does marsh samphire come back every year?
No. Marsh Samphire is an annual: it grows, flowers and dies in one year, so sow it again each year. Some annuals self-seed if a few flowers are left to set seed.
Is marsh samphire frost hardy?
Only partly. Marsh Samphire is half-hardy: it copes with cold but not frost, so plant it out after the last frost (usually mid to late May) and protect it if frost is forecast.
Plan your marsh samphire in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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