Successfully growing ice plant

An ancient vegetable , the ice plant is a perennial that tolerates drought and poor soil . It is therefore a very interesting and easy-to-grow leaf vegetable. It is eaten in salads for its tangy flavor, its unusual frosted appearance and its freshness, but also cooked or chopped.

Native to South Africa, and more specifically the Cape of Good Hope, the ficoïde arrived in Europe during the 18th century. During the 19th century, it already had its place in all official catalogs of Europe and America. Today, although it is rather part of the "forgotten vegetables", it is still cultivated by small producers concerned with diversity. With the recent resurgence in popularity of rare and forgotten vegetables, it is slowly returning to its former fame.

The term "ficoid" comes from the combination of the Latin term "ficus" and the Greek term "εἶδος" which together mean "fig-shaped" in reference to the shape of its fruit. The genus name "Mesembryanthemum" comes from the combination of the Greek terms "mesēmbria" (meaning "noon") and "anthemon" (meaning "flower") in reference to this plant's taste for heat. Finally, its species name "Crystallinum" comes from "Crystallinus" which comes from the ancient Greek "κρυστάλλινος" which means "made of crystal" in reference to the plant's appearance.

The leaves of the ice plant have a very pleasant flavor and a tangy, salty taste. Their slightly oily texture combines with a very spectacular, almost eerie, icy effect. They have an iodized taste reminiscent of samphire.

Ice plant is rich in iron and is said to be depurative and draining. Anecdotes : The foliage and stems are covered with transparent vesicles similar to morning dew, like frozen pearls. These are hypertrophied, vitrified cells containing large quantities of water.

• Difficulty level : 2/3
• Density : From 6 to 9 plants/m².
• Life cycle : Perennial grown as an annual.
• Mode of reproduction : Sexual.
• Type of pollination : Preferential self-pollination but cross-fertilization possible.
• Weight per 1000 seeds : Approximately 0.2 grams.

• Climate zone and hardiness : The glacial ficoïde adapts to all types of French climates.
• Soil type : Rich, fresh and light soil.
• pH : Neutral.
• Moisture : Well-drained soil.
• Exposure : It is advisable to wait at least 3 or 4 years before replanting the ice plant in the same location.
• Temperature : The ice plant is very resistant to high heat and does not like the cold.
• Frost resistance : Ice plant survives temperatures down to -8°C but will no longer be edible after the first frost. Similarly, although it survives high temperatures and drought very well, it is advisable to keep the soil cool.

• Soil preparation : Loosen the soil before sowing or planting.
  
• Transplanting : Transplant the plants into the ground when there is no longer any risk of frost.
• Watering :
  • Frequency: Regular watering.
  • Quantity: Moderate watering.
  • Period: Throughout the culture.
• Tools : Watering can.
• Hoeing / weeding / earthing up / mulching : Mulch when the plants emerge and then mulch again when the plants are 5 cm tall. This will keep the soil cool during cultivation.
• Winter protection : Ice plant is not grown in winter and therefore does not require winter protection.
• Harvest period : From June until the first frosts.
• Part of the plant : The foliage of the ice plant is eaten.
• Stage : Harvest on average 50 to 90 days after sowing.

• Method: Harvest as needed by cutting the leafy stems. Do not store.
• Duration: Consume the iced ficoïde within the day of harvest.

• Culinary : Although it is possible to cook them like spinach, the fleshy leaves of the ice plant are generally used raw, mixed with salads or raw vegetables.
• Others : The leaves of the ice plant are used to treat insect bites and wounds. They are also used as components in the manufacture of certain skin creams.

In cold and humid climates, it is advisable to renew thyme plants every 3 to 4 years otherwise the stem becomes too woody and the leaves lose their aroma.