About Sea Thrift
Sea Thrift is a charming and resilient native perennial found along rocky and sandy coastal shorelines. Also known as Armeria maritima, this plant is loved for its compact, grassy clumps and delicate ball-shaped pink flowers held high on slender stems. Flowering from spring into early summer, Sea Thrift brings colour and texture to borders, rockeries, alpine beds, and containers. Once established, it is both drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a favourite for wildflower and pollinator gardens.

Where Can You Grow Sea Thrift?
Sea Thrift thrives in Zones 3–9 and prefers full sun with well-drained soil. It does especially well in poor, sandy, or rocky soils and is ideal for container gardens, alpine settings, or coastal plantings. In inland areas, it adapts well as long as soil drainage is good.

History and Historical Uses
Native to coastal regions of North America and Europe, Sea Thrift has long been valued for its ability to thrive in harsh environments and for its ornamental appeal. Historically used in coastal landscaping to stabilise soil and prevent erosion, it is also appreciated as a pollinator plant supporting bees and butterflies. Its compact and tidy habit made it a popular border plant in traditional cottage gardens.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Direct sow or transplant outdoors in autumn or early spring for strong early-season blooms.
Zones 5-7: Start indoors in late winter or direct sow in early spring after last frost.
Zones 3-4: Start indoors and transplant after danger of frost has passed; mulch over winter to protect crowns.

How to Grow and Harvest Sea Thrift

Planting: Sow seeds on the surface or lightly press into soil; do not cover. Maintain moist conditions until germination.
Transplanting: Space 20–30cm (8–12in) apart in well-drained soil in full sun.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; reduce watering once plants are mature.
Harvesting: Cut flowers for arrangements when fully open; deadhead to encourage continued blooming.
Maintenance: Trim back flower stalks after bloom season and divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

Allow to Flower and Seed: Let some flower heads dry naturally on the plant.
Harvest Seeds: Once flower heads are dry and papery, remove and gently crush to release seeds.
Dry and Store: Clean and air-dry seeds fully before storing.
Store: Keep in a cool, dark place in a sealed envelope or container; viable for 2–3 years.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)