How to Grow Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum): Planting Methods and Timing Explained

Summary Planting methods: For ice plant, choose soft, loose soil that is breathable and moisture-retentive. Soak the seeds in warm water, then sow 2-3 seeds per hole, cover with soil and water. Transplanting can be done after about 20-40 days, with planting holes spaced about 20cm apart between plants and about 30cm between rows. In hot weather, provide appropriate shade to block the sun and lower the temperature, and water only when the soil surface turns white. Harvest can be done about 60 days after sowing. Planting time: spring or early autumn, with a temperature of 20°C being better for planting.

1. Soil Selection and Planting

1. Ice plant has relatively high salt tolerance and drought tolerance, and is a halophytic plant. Its seeds are quite small and have poor ability to push through soil, so before planting, choose soil that is well aerated, moisture-retentive and soft.

2. You can also raise seedlings indoors. Prepare a seedling tray, then add nutrient soil based mainly on coconut coir as the growing medium for raising seedlings.

2. Planting Time

The more suitable time to plant ice plant is spring or early autumn. After sowing, keeping the temperature at around 20°C is more conducive to germination.

3. Sowing and Seedling Raising

1. Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water at about 30°C for about 2-4 hours, then sow about 2-3 seeds per hole. If using a seedling tray, sow about 2-3 seeds at each point spaced 9cm apart.

2. After sowing, cover with a layer of fine soil, about 3-5 mm, and do not cover too deeply, otherwise it will affect the germination rate of ice plant. After sowing, the temperature should not be too high or too low, and should be controlled at around 20°C. If the temperature drops, provide appropriate insulation; in high temperatures, strengthen air circulation so the temperature can be lowered.

3. Normally, about 20-40 days after sowing, or when the seedlings grow 4-5 leaves, they can be transplanted and established.

 It is best to sow ice plant in spring or early autumn, the seasons with the most suitable temperatures. After sowing, temperature management should aim for around 20 degrees

4. Transplanting and Establishing

1. Generally, do not choose rainy days or periods of high temperature for transplanting ice plant. In addition, when lifting the seedlings, you must not damage the seedling roots, otherwise it will affect the survival rate of the seedlings.

2. First dig the planting holes, with spacing of about 20cm between plants in each hole and about 30cm between rows. After planting, cover with soil, then water, but not excessively, and keep the temperature at around 25°C.

5. Later Management

1. Ice plant is relatively sensitive to high summer temperatures and is suitable for growing in environments at around 20-30°C, so in summer it needs appropriate shading to block the sun and prevent direct strong light. To lower the temperature of the planting site, ventilation should be strengthened.

2. Ice plant is relatively drought-tolerant. In hot weather, water in moderation and not excessively; generally water again when the soil surface turns white.

6. Harvest

Ice plant grows very quickly in the middle and late stages, and will grow into a large patch in a short time. Generally, it can be harvested about 60 days after sowing. After harvest, it should be pre-cooled, which is more beneficial for long-distance transport.

7. Nutritional Value of Ice Plant

Ice plant is a vegetable with relatively high nutritional value, containing rich amino acids, antioxidant substances, sodium, potassium, carotene and so on. The sour taste in ice plant is a natural malic acid taste, and it combines one of the characteristics of Chinese cabbage, cabbage, lettuce and others.