How to Grow Monk's Beard
Monk's Beard
Crambe maritima
vegetableMonk's beard, also known as sea kale, is a perennial coastal vegetable with thick, fleshy stems and blue-green foliage that produces tender, asparagus-like shoots. The plant is prized for its delicate, slightly sweet flavor and has been cultivated in Europe for centuries. It can produce harvests for 8-10 years from a single planting.
When should you plant Monk's Beard in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Monk's Beard timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Monk's Beard
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Monk's Beard
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Monk's Beard dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with best performance in zones 5-7
Sign up free to see if Monk's Beard grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Monk's Beard timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Establishment
3-6 monthsSmall rosette of blue-green leaves develops during first year; plant focuses on root development
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; protect from harsh winds; apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsPlant develops larger, deeply lobed blue-green foliage; thick tuberous roots strengthen underground
Allow first year plants to establish without harvesting; maintain consistent moisture; remove any flower stems that appear in year one
Shoot Emergence
3-4 weeksPale, tender shoots emerge from crown in early spring, resembling asparagus spears
Begin light watering as shoots emerge; protect from late frost with floating row covers if necessary; shoots appear earlier and faster with blanching (covering with a pot)
Harvesting
2-3 weeks of active harvestingTender shoots reach 6-8 inches tall, still pale and crisp; shoots begin to open leaves at the tip
Harvest by cutting shoots at soil level with a sharp knife; harvest regularly to encourage more shoots; stop harvesting by late spring to allow plant to photosynthesize for next year
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; dust with diatomaceous earth
-
Install fine mesh netting; hand-pick larvae; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
-
and
Remove debris and mulch where they hide; use beer traps; hand-pick; apply copper tape around plant
-
Ensure good air circulation; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution; remove affected leaves
Uses
Tender Spring Shoots
CulinaryThe blanched shoots are delicate and slightly sweet, best enjoyed lightly steamed, sautéed, or raw in salads. Their flavor is often compared to a cross between asparagus and broccoli with a subtle sweet, mineral note. [source]
Foliage for Cooking
CulinaryYoung leaves can be cooked like kale or cabbage. Mature leaves are quite tough and bitter, but the emerging tender growth can be harvested and used in early spring cuisine. [source]
Traditional Health Uses
MedicinalHistorically used in European folk medicine as a digestive aid and general tonic. Contains glucosinolates, compounds found in brassicas with potential anti-cancer properties. [source]
Long-Lived Perennial Crop
HouseholdOnce established, monk's beard provides harvests for nearly a decade with minimal maintenance, making it an efficient permaculture crop requiring less replanting than annual vegetables. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeIf left unharvested, monk's beard produces attractive white flowers in late spring that attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting in the second spring (year 2) when shoots are 6-8 inches tall and still tender. Cut shoots at soil level with a sharp knife. Harvest for 3-4 weeks in spring, then stop to allow the plant to build energy reserves. Blanching (covering the crown with a pot or forcing jar in early spring) produces whiter, more tender shoots prized by chefs. A mature plant can produce 1-2 pounds of shoots per season. Plants remain productive for 8-10 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Monk's beard has been cultivated since at least the 1700s and was a favorite of Victorian gardeners who prized it as a delicacy; it nearly disappeared from cultivation but has seen a revival among specialty growers and high-end chefs.
- 🌱 The plant earned the nickname 'monk's beard' because monks at coastal monasteries historically grew it, and its tender spring shoots resembled a beard; it's also called 'sea kale' because it naturally occurs on rocky coasts of northern Europe.
- 🌱 Blanching monk's beard shoots (covering them with a pot or forcing jar) is an ancient technique that prevents chlorophyll development, keeping the shoots pale, tender, and sweeter—a method also used for white asparagus and Belgian endive.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Monk's Beard planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Monk's Beard seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Monk's Beard timeline →