Camelina is an almost forgotten ancient oil plant. He is not related to flax, also known as flax. In the past, however, it was sown as a weed for flax. Hence the naming. But this plant has its own value and it is still largely in its original state. Something speaks for the cultivation.

Camelina seeds can be harvested in autumn

camelina in private gardens

Camelina is an important oil supplier in commercial cultivation, for example for the cosmetics industry. In private gardens it is mainly grown as green manure. The young, tender leaves are also edible. Sprouts can be grown from seeds, but they can also be used elsewhere in the kitchen.

It is an annual plant that is propagated by seeds.

tips

Camelina suppresses weeds in beds. For example, it can be sown in combination with peas, which it supports with its stems.

location and soil

The camelina prefers sunny locations. The soil may like to be sandy, deeply loosened and therefore permeable. In addition, the plant is undemanding.

The optimal sowing time

If you want to harvest the camelina seeds, you have to sow the plant between March and April. As a pure green manure, this cruciferous variety can be sown until October. It tolerates slight minus degrees.

Sow camelina

The seeds can be planted individually on small beds in the garden. This ensures even and optimal distribution. So no grain is wasted:

  • Row spacing: 20 cm
  • Distance between two seeds: 5 cm
  • Sowing depth: 1 cm

You need about 70 grams of seed per 100 square meters of sowing area.

watering and fertilizing

Camelina is a weak feeder and therefore does not require fertilization during the growing season. Its water requirements are also low, so that it copes well with irregular rainfall.

diseases and pests

Occasionally, downy mildew and gray mold can occur. Snails avoid it and there is hardly any risk of damage from pests.

harvest

Camelina sown early usually blooms in June. The camelina can be harvested about 4 months after sowing. Young shoots for cooking are allowed to be picked earlier. As a green manure, it simply stays in the bed and is incorporated into the soil.

tips

Ripe seeds can be set aside for reseeding. They remain germinable for another six years.

Category:

Herbs