The Camelina (Camelina sativa), also known as “German sesame,” is making a strong comeback in natural and sustainable vegetable gardens. Hardy, pollinator-friendly, undemanding and versatile, it deserves a place in every organic garden. Here is how to sow and cultivate Leindotter in your garden.
Camelina for Natural Soil Improvement
Camelina is an annual plant native to Switzerland and belongs to the Brassicaceae family (like mustard or radish). It improves soil structure very effectively and covers the soil within just a few weeks, reducing erosion, nutrient leaching and the spread of weeds.
Its root system, composed of numerous fine roots, penetrates the upper soil layers and promotes aeration and water infiltration. It is therefore particularly suitable for clay soils, which are often compacted at the surface.
Unlike legume-based green manures, like serradella (Ornithopus sativus), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) or lupin, which fix atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, camelina does not directly enrich the soil with nitrogen. Instead, it acts mainly through rapid biomass production and its structuring effect on the soil surface. It can be cut before full seed maturity and lightly incorporated into the soil using a garden fork or rake. Its biomass decomposes relatively quickly and provides substantial organic matter. In this way, it nourishes soil life and maintains fertility — an essential condition for abundant and flavorful harvests.
A Plant for biodiversity
Camelina produces numerous small, pale yellow flowers. Its generous flowering attracts various pollinators and beneficial insects to the vegetable garden.
In spring, it provides an important food source for bees and hoverflies, especially when other flowering plants are still scarce. In a diversified vegetable garden, it can act as a bridge between different flowering periods. Integrating it into crop rotation or along bed edges actively supports local biodiversity.
An Easy and Undemanding Crop
One of camelina’s major strengths is its adaptability. It grows even in relatively poor soils and requires little additional fertilization.
It is also highly cold-tolerant, allowing for early spring sowing or late summer sowing. It tolerates drought better than other oilseed crops such as rapeseed.
For gardeners in higher altitudes or regions with challenging climatic conditions, camelina is therefore particularly interesting.
Seeds Rich in Omega-3
Beyond its role as green manure, camelina can also be cultivated for its seeds. These seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Cold-pressed camelina oil is valued for its balanced nutritional profile and high vitamin E content. It is best used raw, for example in salads, to preserve its valuable nutrients. It can also be applied topically to soothe irritated skin. The seeds can also be added whole to bread or other culinary preparations. Their flavor has a mild, nutty note reminiscent of hazelnut.
How to Sow and Grow Camelina
Camelina grows fast, which makes it easy to plan as an in-between culture in the vegetable garden.
However, it is advisable not to grow it immediately before or after other Brassicaceae such as cabbage, radish or mustard, in order to minimize disease risks specific to this plant family. A crop rotation of approximately 5 to 7 years is therefore recommended.
Sowing can be done by broadcasting or in rows spaced about 15 centimeters apart. As a green manure, it should be cut before full seed maturity to prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Camelina fits perfectly into organic farming systems, requires few inputs and strengthens soil health. It promotes biodiversity while offering practical benefits. In a context where autonomy, climate resilience and sustainable gardening are increasingly important, it is an essential crop.
To go further:
- How to choose the right green fertilizer?
- Agrarforschung Schweiz, Pests and diseases in the agroecosystem of vegetable Brassicas and rapeseed.
- INRAE, Lists of diseases and pests of Brassicas, Ephytia.
Camelina: the green manure to sow in every vegetable garden!