Iceplant

(Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) Iceplant is native to South Africa, and possibly the Egyptian peninsula of Sinai and southern Europe. This frost-tender succulent plant can grow as an annual. The beautiful plants appear to be covered in glistening water droplets, giving iceplant its common name. This wild and unique plant is a low growing creeper with eye-catching foliage and sweet, understated flowers. A halophyte, or salt-loving, plant that accumulates or pulls salt from the soil, it has been used in phytoremediation of contaminated sites. Surface sow seeds about 6-8 weeks before last frost date, as light is required for germination. Ideal germination temperature is 75F. Seeds take 14-21 days to germinate. Plants require full sun and are very adaptable to a wide range of soils. Take extra care when hardening these transplants off because they can suffer from transplant shock more easily than most other plants. Try to harden off the plants for a few hours each day for 2 weeks before final transplant. Space plants 18-24 inches apart, as they will spread and crawl.