Mesembryanthemum

Mesembryanthemum is an easy to grow annual bedding flower which produces colourful blooms throughout the summer. The daisy like flowers come in shades of red, magenta, pink, yellow, white and orange and open with the sun each day and turn to face it moving across the garden.

Can tolerate drought and sandy soil and is a useful plant to brighten up rock gardens, walls and paths.

Sow Mesembryanthemum seed indoors from March to May on the surface of a good quality seed compost, and cover the seeds with a very fine sprinkling of vermiculite, or compost. Place the seed tray in a propagator or seal it inside a polythene bag, keeping the soil damp but not wet until gemination. Do not exclude light as this aids germination.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 9cm pots and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors.

When Mesembryanthemum plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outdoors in full sun in any moist, well drained soil. Feed and water until the plants are fully established, or if in a container water regularly as needed.

Although the flowers are short-lived, regular deadheading will promote plenty of fresh blooms.

TOP TIP

Mesembryanthemum leaves, stems and seeds are edible. However, as a number of different plants have the same common name – ice plant be absolutely sure which plant you have before you start harvesting and serving it up. Mesembryanthemum leaves and stems can be steamed like spinach and have a salty, sharp taste.