I got a second wind at dusk – had already removed a number of poppies during the day and decided to more or less finish off the job later. There is a final tomato plant to put in the ground and I thought I had identified the spot for it.
Considering seakale is supposed to prefer moist conditions, I doubt the spot where I sowed the seeds earlier in the year is ideal. Further, the strands of green in the above photo look very much like gladioli.
However, part of me is reluctant to disturb this ground, just in case I’ve got it completely wrong. Still, I think the next apple tree is going to go there anyway, and then that would definitely put paid to any hopes of seakale in the near future.
I have actually ordered the apple tree, a Ribston Pippin, which will hopefully be delivered in November. So, that’s something to look forward to as we head into winter!
I zoomed in as much as I could, but didn’t see anything that resembles seakale sprouts. But good of you to wait. They look just like any other brassica start actually, just really thick; sometimes purplish depending on variety. Best wishes for their quick emergence.
Thanks for taking the time to look at the photo to see if these leaves could be seakale. I doubt the seeds will sprout now but you never know, do you?
I think I will try to germinate some seeds in pots next year as my soil is just too dry. At least I now know what to look out for.
Hi Helen, did you crack the casings of the seeds? Seakale seeds are within a hollow corky outer shell. If not you may well find they will germinate next year, since I think removing the outer shell helps. I would try in a pot as you say, at least then you can be pretty certain what they are!
Thank you for this tip – I didn’t realise it would be a good idea to crack the casing, so that could well be an issue!
Hope it helps. I don’t think it is essential – they naturally just get weathered in the sea and shingle I guess.
Yes, that is probably the case.
Oh a new apple tree! That is wonderful, indeed.
Just a small one this time 😊.