Seombadi Korean Celery Seeds
Seombadi Korean Celery Seeds - Dystaenia takesimana - Ulleung Giant Celery
Ulleung Giant Celery
- Hardy to Zone 4
- Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Germination Tested N/A. Estimated 50%
- Approximately 20-30 seeds per packet
Seombadi is an exciting and very cold hardy perennial vegetable from Ulleongdo Island, South Korea. It tastes like a mix of celery and lovage, and stays green throughout even harsh winters when few other vegetables are available to harvest, making it a valuable addition to any edible garden. It's great in winter soups and stews.
Here's a quote from Eric Toensmeier: “Absolutely our best winter perennial vegetable. When Hablitzia is still 1" high, this one is 10" and growing fast. Comes up under snow and really our best or even only winter vegetable from early December through March. Flavor more or less like celery. Grows something like lovage but much better flavor and winter tolerance. It sailed through -15F (-26C) this winter” (Eric is located in Holyoke, Massachusetts).
These plants can grow about 6 feet tall when in flower, and the umbelliferous flowers support all sorts of beneficial insects. Other names for this plant include Ulleung Giant Celery, Korean Pig Plant, sobadi, or dwaejipul.
It seems in its native Ulleongdo Island, it is only occasionally eaten parboiled, or fermented in soy sauce or soybean paste. Its main use seems to be livestock fodder for pigs and cattle. In fact, it is said to be the favourite herb of the local cattle (yakso), which gives the meat a special "herbal fragrance." I imagine chickens, rabbits, or other livestock would enjoy it as well.
Stephen Barstow has an excellent article on his website with more information.
These seeds are grown by my friend Kim Watt of Thimble Hill Nursery in Nelson, BC. Thank you for stewarding seeds of this special plant!
Growing Instructions
Growing Instructions
These seeds lose their viability quickly, so I recommend planting them this year and not saving any. Cold stratification (30-60 days) may promote more uniform germination, but it is not necessary. Kim recommends starting them indoors around the same time as onions (Feb-early March) on bottom heat. Seeds should sprout slowly and erratically over 6 weeks. Transplant outdoors after last frost. Alternately, sow seeds outdoors in pots in February and let them naturally cold-stratify, and they will come up in the spring.
Seedlings seem to be delicate when young- try not the let them overheat. Plants grow slowly when young. Mature plants can tolerate full sun or part shade. Propagation by cuttings may be possible.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
We ship seeds within Canada for a flat fee of $6, United States for $10, and internationally for $20*. Live plants and large bulbs can only be shipped within Canada.
Any shipping overages will be refunded.
Shipping in Canada
We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order. Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.
Shipping to the US
We ship all US orders via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive.
In our experience shipping seeds over several years, most small orders will make it across the border without issues, but occasionally they will be held at US Customs.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that seeds or bulbils are allowed to be sent to your region. We are not able to replace packages that are confiscated or destroyed by customs in your country.
Shipping Internationally
International orders are usually shipped via untracked packet. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held of confiscated by customs.
International shipping countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.
*Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars.
Ecologically Grown
Ecologically Grown
Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
Thank you, Cicada Seeds, for selling these wonderful Korean celery seeds. I'm looking forward to now having a supply of these crisp, celery-tasting leaves as a perennial in my garden! I've tried lovage before but didn't like the taste. The Korean celery is milder and fresher tasting and so far seems more resilient to changing conditions. It will be a wonderful flavour in salads, soups and stews. What a find!
Seombadi Korean Celery Seeds - Dystaenia takesimana - Ulleung Giant Celery
Would have liked more seeds
I’m happy to rate a higher satisfaction due to the company making it right by sending me another package of seeds as the first one had broken and minimal seeds. Half of what was said would arrive. The one that was sent to replace had the right amount with much better looking seeds. As of yet they haven’t produced yet after
1 1/2 weeks though I’m sure they will!
I planted seed last year and they're a little slow to start but stay green all winter. One of the only true winter veggies ready to eat all year long once established. Get some asap or see about getting some live plants if you can find them online! PS I will be selling live plants online out of the US! Perhaps look for them on Etsy (: