Iceplant Seeds,
Succulent

47 ReviewsSKU: #FL919Min. seed count: 100
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Description

Prolific production of small daisy-like white to pink flowers in summer. A bed of iceplant is oddly reminiscent of an undersea stand of sea anemones! The glistening, succulent leaves are edible—making a delicious, slightly tart spinach substitute. The crushed leaves also make a natural lather and have been used as a soap substitute. At one time the leaves were used to treat scurvy on long voyages, which explains its occurrence worldwide, seeds being present in soil dropped by ships in ballast dumps. Native to southern and western Africa. The plants also take up salt and have been used in bioremediation. Tolerates poor soils. Perennial in frost-free climates, where it may become invasive.

Growing Tips: Sow in place, or start transplants indoors, setting out after last frost, transplanting carefully. Keep soil moist and warm until sprouts appear. Requires sharp drainage, prefers dry locations.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Life Cycle
Annual or biennial
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
3–21
Days to Maturity
60
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
73–83°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow Succulent Iceplant indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date and transplant carefully once all chance of frost has passed, or direct seed outdoors after that same point. Surface sow the seed and keep the mix moist and warm until sprouts appear; the ideal germination temperature is 61-77 F and seeds take 14-21 days. Plants are not frost hardy and reach maturity in about 60 days.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
  • Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date and transplant out after all chance of frost has passed, or direct seed outdoors after all chance of frost has passed.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 61-77 F.

How to Grow

  • Plants require full sun.
  • Very adaptable to a wide range of soils, including sandy, clay and low- fertility soils.
  • Space plants 18-24 inches apart, as they will spread and crawl.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • A pest-free plant, although seedlings will develop rot or damping off issues if not given proper ventilation.

How to Save Seeds

  • Flowers open in the morning and close at night and are insect pollinated.
  • There are no other related varieties to cross pollinate, making seed saving easy.

FAQ

How should Succulent Iceplant seed be sown?

Surface sow it rather than burying it, and keep the soil moist and warm until sprouts appear. Hold the temperature around 61-77 F and allow 14-21 days for germination.

My Succulent Iceplant seedlings are collapsing at the soil line. What went wrong?

Iceplant is otherwise a pest-free plant, but seedlings will develop rot or damping off issues if they are not given proper ventilation. Improve air movement around the flats.

Are the leaves edible?

Yes. The glistening, succulent leaves are edible and make a slightly tart spinach substitute. The plants also produce prolific small, daisy-like white to pink flowers in summer, tolerate poor soils, and require sharp drainage.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 7 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Salty salad leaves: Leaves taste of salt; good tossed into salads.

  • Easy to start: Germinates well with warmth and daily misting.

  • A conversation piece: Unusual looks draw compliments and conversation.

  • Slow at first: Growth is slow until warm weather arrives.

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