Cardamine debilis
| Cardamine debilis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 1' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Cardamine debilis
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 weeks at 15°c[1]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for the first two years, planting them out when dormant in late summer.
Division in early spring or after the plant dies down in the summer. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. A polymorphic species[2]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[3] but succeeds in most soils that are not dry[4].
Range: New Zealand.
Habitat: Damp places in lowland forest and scrub, North, South and Stewart Islands[2][5].
Edibility: Leaves - raw[5]. Added to salads. A hot cress-like flavour[5].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Bird, Alfred. Focus on Plants Volume 5. Thompson and Morgan, 1991.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Crowe, Andrew. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton, 1990.