A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Cultivation Techniques for Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum seeds are relatively small; before sowing, they need to be pre-germinated, and then sown and raised as seedlings. After true leaves grow, transplanting and setting out can be arranged; the optimal growing temperature is 20-25°C. After setting out, water promptly and arrange the harvesting work.

Planting methods for Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

1. Sowing

The seeds of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum are very fine. Before sowing, they need to be soaked to promote germination. Plug tray seedling raising can be used; generally, a 200-cell seedling tray is used with 3 seeds sown per cell. Because the seeds are extremely fine, do not cover them with thick soil. Keeping the temperature at 20°C is favorable for germination. At low temperatures, a constant-temperature cabinet should be used. About 35-40 days after sowing Mesembryanthemum crystallinum seeds, when the leaves have grown to 4-5, transplanting and setting out are carried out. Because the root system of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is not well developed, in order to increase its survival rate, we can first move it to a nutrient cup to continue cultivation; after about half a month, when the root system has fully grown out, setting out is better.

2. Setting out

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum has strong drought tolerance, so when choosing soil, select a plot with good drainage and strong air permeability. Raised-bed cultivation can be chosen, with a row spacing of 40-50cm and a plant spacing of 30-40cm as suitable.

3. Management

Large Mesembryanthemum crystallinum seedlings have relatively strong adaptability and can grow normally at temperatures of 10-30°C. 20-25°C is the most suitable temperature for Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. Temperatures below 10°C will affect the normal growth of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. When encountering strong light or high-temperature weather, certain shading measures should be taken; cultivation in summer is affected by high temperatures, which affect its growth.

After setting out, water promptly. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is relatively drought-tolerant and is a halophyte. When watering after setting out, an appropriate amount of edible salt can be added. During routine irrigation, water when the soil surface is dry. If the leaves show wilting in the early morning, spray water on the leaves around 9 o'clock; otherwise, there is no need to water frequently.

4. Harvesting

About 30 days after setting out, when the plant has grown to about 10-15cm and the crystals attached to the leaf surface have formed, and the branching stems are growing vigorously, they can be harvested when the length is about 10cm.