Anonymous
Mar 26, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Easy for beginners
I have killed many plants before, but these survived my neglect! They are forgiving and grow fast. The instruction guide included was very helpful for a first-timer like me.
Description
Reviews
| Brand | - |
| Category | Root / Fresh Flowers, Artificial Plants & Gardening |
| Origin | - |
| Botanical Name | Mesembryanthemum crystallinum |
| Plant Type | Annual Succulent Vegetable |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Water Requirements | Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant |
| Soil Preference | Well-draining, Sandy or Loamy Soil |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA Zones 9-11 (Best for Southern Regions) |
| Days to Maturity | 60-70 Days from Transplant |
| Flavor Profile | Mildly Salty, Crisp, Similar to Spinach |
| Unique Feature | Leaves develop crystal-like bladders that sparkle in sunlight |
| Package Contents | 50+ Heirloom Seeds with Planting Guide |
Anonymous
Mar 26, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Easy for beginners
I have killed many plants before, but these survived my neglect! They are forgiving and grow fast. The instruction guide included was very helpful for a first-timer like me.
Anonymous
Mar 23, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Fascinating addition to my salad garden!
These seeds germinated quickly and the plants are absolutely stunning. The 'ice' crystals on the leaves really do sparkle in the morning sun. The taste is unique, adding a nice salty crunch to salads without needing extra seasoning.
Anonymous
Mar 22, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Delicious and ornamental
I planted these along my walkway for decoration, but ended up eating them! They are productive and look beautiful. The texture is surprisingly juicy. Will definitely be ordering more next season.
Anonymous
Mar 20, 2026
Rating: 4/5
Unique culinary ingredient
As a chef, I love experimenting with new textures. These provide a natural salinity that pairs well with fish dishes. Growth was steady, though they prefer very well-drained soil as advertised.
Anonymous
Mar 14, 2026
Rating: 4/5
Great for hot climates
Living in Florida, I struggle with some greens in the summer, but these ice plants thrive in the heat. They are very low maintenance. I took off one star only because the seeds are tiny and a bit tricky to handle individually.
Anonymous
Mar 03, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Perfect for xeriscaping with a harvest
If you want a vegetable that doesn't need constant watering, this is it. The crystals form beautifully after a few weeks of sun exposure. Great conversation starter for neighbors too.
Q: When is the best time to plant these in Zone 9?
A: For Zone 9, you can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors in early spring once the soil has warmed. They can also be planted in early fall for a winter harvest in southern regions.
Q: Can these seeds be grown indoors in a pot?
A: Yes, African Ice Plants grow very well in containers indoors as long as they are placed in a sunny window receiving at least 6 hours of direct light. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage holes.
Q: Do I need to harvest the leaves differently than spinach?
A: You can harvest individual outer leaves as needed once the plant is established, similar to spinach. Just ensure you leave the central growing point intact so the plant continues to produce new foliage.
Q: How salty do the leaves actually taste?
A: The leaves have a mild, natural salinity due to the mineral accumulation in the crystal bladders. It is not overpowering like table salt but adds a pleasant savory note to fresh dishes.
Q: Are these seeds heirloom or hybrid?
A: These are open-pollinated heirloom seeds, which means you can save seeds from your harvest to plant for the next season, and they will grow true to type.