How to Grow Ice Plant: Methods and Key Techniques

The prospects for growing ice plant are very broad. Ice plant grows quickly, and after maturity it can be harvested once every 3 to 4 days. It is also very natural and healthy, and its components can be extracted for use in cosmetics. So what are the cultivation techniques for ice plant?

1. Seed treatment: First select plump seeds with intact umbels, wrap them properly in several layers of gauze, soak them in warm water at about 28°C for several tens of minutes, then drain the water and place them under conditions at a slightly lower temperature of about 20°C to promote sprouting for one day and one night. During this period, they also need to be rinsed twice with clean water to promote seed germination. Once most of the seeds have sprouted white, sowing can begin.

2. Sowing: When planting ice plant seedlings, for the soil it is best to choose a combination of sandy loam and peat soil, or use soil with coconut coir bricks as the main component, because its air permeability and water permeability are relatively good. After that, sowing in spots is better. At a spacing of about one cm, sow three seeds in spots. A very important point is that covering the seeds with only a thin layer of soil is enough.

3. Sunlight and temperature: After transplanting, attention should be paid to controlling the temperature at 15-30°C. If it is below 15°C for me, a small arched shed needs to be built to raise the temperature appropriately; if it is above 30°C for me, appropriate ventilation should be adopted, and shading treatment is needed to lower the temperature. We need to provide ice plant with a relatively suitable ambient temperature for growth. Ice plant relatively likes sunlight, and throughout its entire growth period it needs sufficient light.

4. Fertilizer and water management: Water control is something we need to pay attention to after transplanting. If there is too much water, it will affect its market appearance. Water can be controlled appropriately. If it can help form ice crystal granules, then this can improve the market appearance. If water is excessive, the ice crystal granules will decrease, the salty taste will be relatively weak, and the texture will be very poor.

Ice plant naturally has resistance to pests and diseases. During the growth process, there is no need to spray pesticides, and ice plant can be used directly with confidence. The most common way to prepare it is as a cold salad. Ice plant itself has a salty taste, and both its texture and nutrition are very good.