Samphire Seeds

Sow Samphire seeds directly outdoors from April to July. Press the seeds lightly into the surface and keep moist. Although naturally found in salty environments, samphire can be grown in regular compost. Adding a weak salt solution improves its flavour (1 tsp of salt per pint of water). For a continuous harvest, cut young stems regularly, allowing new growth to emerge.

Marsh samphire (Salicornia species) is an annual, meaning it completes its life cycle in one season and does not regrow the following year. Rock samphire – a separate species (Crithmum maritimum) – is a perennial. To store samphire, refrigerate fresh stems in a sealed container for up to a week, or blanch and freeze for more extended storage, e.g., when out of season.

Samphire seeds usually germinate within 7-21 days when kept warm and moist. Plants take around 8–10 weeks to reach a harvestable size. Regular watering with a mild salt solution helps mimic their natural environment and encourages healthy growth.