How to Grow Pigface (Hottentot Fig)
iNaturalist
Pigface (Hottentot Fig)
Carpobrotus edulis
succulentPigface is a sprawling succulent groundcover native to South Africa, known for its fleshy, finger-like leaves and vibrant magenta or yellow daisy-like flowers. It thrives in coastal environments and is highly salt-tolerant, making it ideal for beach gardens and rocky shorelines. The plant produces edible, fig-like fruits that are sweet and tangy.
When should you plant Pigface (Hottentot Fig) in your zone?
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Example Pigface (Hottentot Fig) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pigface (Hottentot Fig)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pigface (Hottentot Fig)
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; tolerates coastal salt spray and poor soils exceptionally well
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Get my Pigface (Hottentot Fig) timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-4 monthsYoung plants develop a shallow, spreading root system and begin producing fleshy stems that radiate outward along the ground.
Water moderately every 2-3 weeks until established (3-4 months). Avoid overwatering. Protect from frost in zone 9. Mulch lightly with gravel if desired.
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing through spring-summerStems spread horizontally, densely covered with thick, finger-like blue-green or purple-tinged leaves; plant becomes more salt and drought tolerant.
Reduce watering as plant becomes established. Prune trailing stems to direct growth. No fertilizer needed—nutrient-rich soil promotes soft growth prone to rot.
Flowering
4-6 months (spring-summer peak)Large, showy daisy-like flowers (2-3 inches wide) in magenta, pink, orange, or yellow blooms appear at stem tips; very attractive to pollinators.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Flowers appear in spring-summer (or year-round in warm climates). Water sparingly; drought actually triggers more prolific flowering.
Fruiting
2-3 months after floweringAfter pollination, flowers develop into fleshy, fig-like fruits (2-3 inches long) that ripen to red or purple; edible and sweet.
Allow fruits to fully ripen for sweet flavor. Harvest for eating or allow to dry and reseed. Fruits attract birds and wildlife.
Dormancy/Maintenance
2-4 months (winter)In cooler zones (9), growth slows significantly in winter; foliage may develop deeper purple or reddish tones in cold. Minimal activity in zone 10-11.
Do not water in winter. Protect from frost with mulch or row covers in zone 9. Remove any dead or frost-damaged stems in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early morning. Remove heavily infested stems. Allow good air circulation to prevent infestations.
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Prune affected stems and dispose. Spray with neem oil or horticultural oil during active growth. Inspect regularly.
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Prevent through excellent drainage and minimal watering. Remove and destroy infected plants. Do not replant in same location without soil amendment.
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and
(in cooler, moister zones)
Remove by hand at dusk. Use copper tape or barriers around plantings. Minimize overhead watering and mulch depth.
Uses
Edible Fruits
CulinaryThe fleshy fruits are sweet, tangy, and fig-like, edible raw as a snack or used in jams, preserves, and desserts. In South Africa, they are traditionally eaten fresh or fermented into beverages. [source]
Coastal Erosion Control & Landscaping
HouseholdPigface is extensively used to stabilize sandy soils, prevent coastal erosion, and create living mulch on slopes. Its salt tolerance makes it ideal for oceanfront properties and salt-spray zones. [source]
Traditional Medicinal Use
MedicinalIn traditional African and Mediterranean medicine, pigface has been used to soothe burns, wounds, and minor skin irritations due to its cooling, succulent leaves. Modern research is limited but suggests anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Garden
WildlifeVibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Ripe fruits are eagerly consumed by native birds and wildlife, making pigface an excellent ecological groundcover. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftPigface flowers dry well and retain color for use in dried floral arrangements and crafts, though they are more commonly left living for continuous blooms. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest ripe fruits (red or purple, slightly soft to touch) in summer-fall by gently twisting off or cutting with a knife. Edible raw or cooked. Fruits are best when fully ripe and fully colored. Use within a few days or dry for storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pigface is invasive in some Mediterranean climates and parts of Australia; it's considered a noxious weed in Western Australia due to its aggressive spread and salt tolerance, which allow it to outcompete native coastal vegetation.
- 🌱 The common name 'Pigface' is believed to derive from the fruit's resemblance to a pig's snout, while 'Hottentot Fig' references its South African origin and historical trade connections to the Khoikhoi (Hottentot) people.
- 🌱 Pigface's exceptional salt tolerance (it can thrive in pure saltwater spray) makes it one of the most resilient coastal groundcovers; it actually concentrates salt in its succulent leaves, making them saltier than seawater in some cases.
Gardening Terms
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