How to Grow Ice Plant
iNaturalist
Ice Plant
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
vegetableIce Plant is a succulent annual or tender perennial grown for its distinctive edible leaves covered in glistening, ice-like crystalline structures called water vesicles. The plant produces small yellow or pale pink flowers and thrives in warm, dry climates. It is valued both as a novelty vegetable and ornamental plant in Mediterranean and coastal gardens.
When should you plant Ice Plant in your zone?
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Example Ice Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ice Plant
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 Ice Plant
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ice Plant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grows as an annual in cooler zones when planted in spring
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny succulent seedlings emerge with small, fleshy cotyledons. Initial growth is slow.
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Provide bright light and warm temperatures (70-80°F). Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Early Vegetative
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop true leaves and the characteristic prostrate or spreading growth habit. Water vesicles begin to appear on leaf surfaces.
Gradually reduce watering frequency. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Begin light feeding with dilute fertilizer if needed.
Mature Vegetative
3-4 weeksEstablished plants form dense, spreading mats of thick, crystalline-covered leaves. Plants reach full size with prominent, glistening water vesicles.
Water only when soil is dry. Minimal fertilizer needed. Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves. Ideal for harvesting.
Flowering
2-4 weeksSmall yellow, pink, or white flowers bloom among the foliage. Plants may begin to decline if conditions become too warm.
Continue minimal watering. Flowers are edible and attractive. Plants remain harvestable.
Decline & Senescence
VariableIn warm climates, plants may decline in late summer or fall. In cooler zones, frost kills annual plants.
Harvest remaining leaves. Allow some plants to set seed if desired. Remove spent plants.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove affected leaves. Isolate infested plants.
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Increase air circulation. Spray with water or use miticide if severe. Rarely problematic in outdoor gardens.
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Hand-pick early morning or evening. Use copper barriers or food-grade diatomaceous earth.
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Yellow sticky traps. Insecticidal soap spray. Good air circulation reduces populations.
Uses
Fresh salads and garnish
CulinaryYoung, tender ice plant leaves add a salty, succulent crunch to salads and are striking as a novel garnish on plates. The crystalline-covered leaves are visually distinctive and have a mild, slightly salty flavor. [source]
Cooked greens and stir-fries
CulinaryLarger leaves can be lightly cooked in stir-fries, steamed, or boiled like spinach. The gelatinous texture becomes tender when heated, and the natural saltiness reduces the need for added salt. [source]
Traditional and nutritional use
MedicinalIn traditional Mediterranean and South African medicine, ice plant has been used to support digestion and provide electrolytes due to its mineral-rich, salty composition. Contains vitamins A, B, and C, plus minerals like potassium and magnesium. [source]
Decorative groundcover and pot plant
OrnamentalThe striking crystalline water vesicles make ice plant an attractive addition to xeriscaping, rock gardens, containers, and coastal landscapes. The spreading habit and low-maintenance nature suit Mediterranean-style gardens. [source]
Edible flower and table decoration
CraftThe delicate pink or yellow flowers are edible and attractive, adding visual interest to plates and dishes. Whole stems with crystalline leaves are used in contemporary culinary presentation and floral arrangements. [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 leaves and tender stems when plants are 3-4 weeks old and well-established (usually 50-70 days after planting). Pinch off outer leaves to encourage bushy growth and continued leaf production. Harvest in the morning after dew evaporates. Young, tender leaves are most flavorful and have the most prominent crystalline structures. Plants can be continuously harvested for 2-3 months. Entire stems can be cut close to the base.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The plant is named for its distinctive water vesicles (small bladder-like cells), which glisten like ice crystals in sunlight and give it an otherworldly, jeweled appearance. These structures also help the plant store water in arid conditions.
- 🌱 Ice plant is native to South Africa and is called 'crystalline ice plant' because it thrives in hot, dry climates and actually produces MORE prominent crystalline structures when stressed by heat and drought.
- 🌱 The plant is halophytic, meaning it can tolerate and even thrive in salty soils and conditions, making it valuable for coastal gardening and salt-affected areas where many crops cannot grow.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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