Oyster Leaf (Mertensia maritima) Seeds

The seed needs a period of cold below about 2°C before it will sprout. Sow it in gritty compost and leave the pots in a cold frame over winter, or chill them in the fridge for four to six weeks before bringing them into gentle warmth. Germination is slow and uneven, so keep the pots for several months.

Yes, the fleshy leaves have a distinctly briny, mineral flavour that most people compare to a fresh oyster. It is strongest eaten raw, so add the leaves at the last moment rather than cooking them.

A pot is often the best choice, because it lets you give the very sharp drainage the plant needs and keeps slugs at bay. Use a gritty, sandy mix in a pot about 30cm wide and place it in full sun.

We always aim to make sure our customers love our products, but if you do need to return an order within 14 days of purchase (not including plants*), or any items are damaged, we’re happy to help. Just email us directly at hello@growtropicals.com, and we’ll take you through the process. 

Please note: we cannot be held liable for any packaging costs should the original packaging be discarded.

*Unfortunately we cannot accept returns of undamaged plants as these are perishable items and are not saleable upon return. If a plant is damaged, we will compensate for this as per our live arrival guarantee.

When placing your order, you can choose from three dispatch speeds to suit your needs: Economy (prepared and shipped within 4-5 days), Standard (3-5 days), or Express (dispatched the very next day). Please keep in mind that "dispatch" refers to the time it takes our team to prepare and pack your items before handing them over to the courier, not the total delivery time.

Shipping costs are based on your total order value and will be calculated at checkout, with free shipping automatically applied to all orders over £60. For a full breakdown of shipping prices see our Help Centre.

Additionally, to protect the health and quality of our live plants, orders containing plants are exclusively shipped Monday through Thursday. This careful scheduling prevents your plants from being stuck in a dark shipping depot over the weekend, ensuring they arrive at your door vibrant and healthy.