How to Grow Pigface
iNaturalist
Pigface
Carpobrotus edulis
succulentPigface is a trailing succulent native to South Africa with thick, fleshy leaves and vibrant daisy-like flowers that bloom in summer. It produces edible, fig-like fruits with a slightly sour taste. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant is excellent for ground cover, containers, and coastal landscapes.
When should you plant Pigface in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pigface timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pigface
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
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pigface dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Get my Pigface timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny succulent rosettes emerging with paired fleshy leaves, slow initial growth
Keep soil barely moist, provide bright light, avoid overwatering which causes rot
Vegetative
4-8 weeksTrailing stems lengthen with thick, cylindrical gray-green leaves arranged in opposite pairs
Establish full sun exposure, allow soil to dry between waterings, fertilize sparingly with low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer
Fruiting
4-8 weeksFig-like fruits develop from spent flowers, turning yellow or red-orange when ripe
Allow fruits to mature on plant, reduce watering slightly as plant energy shifts to fruit development
Dormancy
3-4 monthsGrowth slows in winter, foliage may take on reddish tones, flowering ceases
Minimize watering to once monthly or less, cease fertilizing, protect from frost and freezing rain in zone 9
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; avoid overwatering
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil if severe
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Remove by hand, apply horticultural oil, prune heavily infested stems
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Improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, repot in fresh well-draining soil if severe
Uses
Edible Fruits & Flowers
CulinaryThe fig-like fruits are sweet-tart and can be eaten fresh, made into jam, or used in beverages. The colorful flowers are also edible and add a tart, slightly sweet flavor to salads and garnishes. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover
HouseholdPigface's spreading habit and minimal water requirements make it ideal for xeriscaping, coastal gardens, slopes, and areas prone to drought. Its mat-forming growth naturally suppresses weeds. [source]
Traditional Healing
MedicinalIn South African traditional medicine, pigface leaves and fruits have been used to treat minor skin irritations and digestive issues. The succulent properties may have mild anti-inflammatory effects. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe bright, daisy-like flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making pigface valuable for supporting local pollinator populations in coastal and warm-climate gardens. [source]
Container & Hanging Garden Display
CraftPigface's trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed succulent containers. Its vibrant summer flowers and interesting texture add visual interest year-round. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Fruits ripen 4-8 weeks after flowering when they turn yellow or orange-red. Harvest ripe fruits by gently twisting and pulling from the plant. Eat fresh or use for jams and beverages. Flowers are also edible with a slightly tart flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Pigface' comes from the pig-like appearance of the fruit when it opens, revealing a fig-like interior with edible seeds.
- 🌱 Pigface is one of the few succulents that produces substantial edible fruits, and in South Africa it was traditionally foraged as a wild food source.
- 🌱 The plant is extremely salt-tolerant and thrives in coastal environments where other plants struggle, making it perfect for oceanside gardens exposed to salt spray.
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