Oyster Leaf is also known as the vegetarian oyster plant, sea bluebell or oyster plant. It belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae), which also includes borage, Texas olive, fiddleneck, garlic tree, alpine forget-me-not, field forget-me-not, green alkanet, comfrey, stickseed and gromwell. This remarkable plant is native to the coastal regions around the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and parts of Russia. It is a compact coastal plant with thick, fleshy, grey-blue leaves adapted to saline conditions. From July onwards, it produces clusters of attractive blue flowers, which, like the leaves, are edible. Oyster Leaf is a low-growing, creeping perennial that makes an excellent ground cover and is particularly suitable for rock gardens and coastal gardens. The leaves can be eaten raw as a vegetarian alternative to oysters. They are thick, crisp and succulent with a distinctive salty, oyster-like flavour.
Although naturally found along the seashore, Oyster Leaf also grows well in ordinary garden soil, provided it is well drained. The grey-blue leaves pair beautifully with lobster, fish, strawberries, raspberries, syrup, cucumber, lettuce, button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, beef, chicken, lamb, pork, chocolate and even coffee. The blue flowers are also edible and make an attractive garnish. Fresh leaves can be stored for several days in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator when wrapped in a damp tea towel. Because of its creeping habit, Oyster Leaf is an excellent ground-cover plant. Watch out for slugs and snails, however, as they are particularly fond of its thick, succulent leaves. Hardy perennial. Height: 10 - 20 cm.
Stratification: 10 - 14 days
Indoor sowing: March - April
Outdoor sowing: May - September
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temp.: 16 - 22 °C
Sowing depth: shallow - ½ cm
Planting distance: 15 - 20 cm
Planting position: sunny - sheltered - half shadow
Flowering period: July - September
Harvesting period: June - October
Indoor sowing can begin from March in seed trays filled with well-moistened seed compost. Before sowing, the seeds benefit from cold stratification, which improves germination. Place the unopened seed packet in the refrigerator for 10 - 14 days. Afterwards, allow the packet to warm up gradually to room temperature before opening and sowing the seeds. Sow the seeds thinly and sparingly on the surface of the compost. Cover them with only a very thin layer of finely sieved compost. Place the trays in a warm, bright location and keep the compost consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Cover the trays with a transparent lid or plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Keep the temperature as constant as possible, especially during the night, as temperature fluctuations may slow germination.
Remove the cover as soon as the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. From the beginning of May, and once the risk of frost has passed, gradually harden off the young plants over a period of 10–14 days by placing them outdoors during the day. After mid-May, when no further night frosts are expected, plant them in a sunny, sheltered position with light afternoon shade and well-drained soil. Space the plants 15 - 20 cm apart.
Outdoor sowing can be carried out from mid-May, once there is no longer any risk of night frost. Sow thinly on the soil surface in a sunny, sheltered location with light shade and well-drained soil. Press the seeds gently into the soil and cover them with a very thin layer of compost or fine soil. Keep the soil evenly moist and free of weeds during germination. Germination usually takes around 10 days, depending on weather conditions and soil temperature. Water the plants only when the soil begins to dry out around them. Oyster Leaf is a creeping plant that makes an excellent ground cover. Protect young plants from slugs and snails, as they are particularly fond of the thick, succulent leaves.
Oyster Leaf also grows well in large pots and containers, making it ideal for patios and balconies. Harvesting can begin as soon as the first leaves have developed. Pick only as many leaves as needed. Wrapped in a damp tea towel, freshly harvested leaves will keep for approximately 5 - 7 days in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.
