Iceplant

The Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) is a stunning edible succulent prized for its shimmering, frosted-looking leaves and ornamental appeal. Its fleshy leaves have a refreshing, slightly salty tang - perfect for adding a natural seasoning to salads. They can also be cooked like spinach making it a versatile leafy green for edible landscaping. 

Best grown as an annual as it is frost sensitive, the Ice Plant thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and is highly drought-tolerant.  It's a beautiful, low-maintenance, and textural addition to herb gardens, edible gardens, coastal plots or succulent collections.

Ready to grow something unique? Add the Ice Plant to your garden for a dazzling mix of beauty and flavor.

🌱 Seasonal Growing Guide

SPRING

• Sow seeds in trays and lightly cover with soil
• Keep seedlings on the dry side and well ventilated
• Germination may be slow at first
• Prick out into individual pots once large enough to handle
• Harden off and transplant outdoors only after the last risk of frost - remember they are frost sensitive

SUMMER:

• Low-growing (up to 10 cm tall), perfect for edging or adding sparkle to the front of borders
• Attractive and textural foliage adds ornamental value
• Enjoy harvesting leaves as needed for salads or cooking
  

Harvesting: 

• • Around 6–8 weeks after sowing, depending on growing conditions
  • Once the plant has a good base of fleshy leaves (about 5–10 cm tall)
  • Any time during summer, as long as the plant is actively growing
  • Pick young, tender leaves for the best flavor and texture
  • Use clean scissors or pinch leaves off by hand
  • Harvest as needed, a few leaves at a time
  • Avoid over-harvesting—leave enough foliage for the plant to keep growing
  • Harvest all remaining leaves before the first light frost, as the plant will not survive cold weather

AUTUMN / WINTER:

• Frost-sensitive: plants will be killed by even a light frost
• Treat as an annual in cooler climates like the UK

DID YOU KNOW...

Ice Plants are perfect for xeriscapes.
What are xeriscapes? Good question!

Xeriscaping refers to landscaping designed to minimize water use, often featuring drought-tolerant plants like succulents, cacti, and native species. The word comes from the Greek xeros meaning “dry” and scape meaning landscape.

In the case of Ice Plant, it’s an ideal choice for xeriscaping because it:

✅ Is drought-tolerant once established

☀️ Thrives in sunny, well-drained soil

💧 Requires minimal watering, making it perfect for low-water or coastal gardens

Are you looking to create a more sustainable garden? Ice Plant makes it easy - and beautiful.