Which month is best for planting ice plants, the Gregorian calendar or the lunar calendar?

Iceweed, also known as African ice grass , ice flower, and ice leaf sunflower, is named because it has many white particles on its surface that look like frost. It is native to South Africa and has been introduced to China in recent years, where it has become popular for its high nutritional value and unique appearance and taste. So when is the best month to plant ice plants, according to the Gregorian calendar or the lunar calendar? Let’s learn more about it below.

Which month is best for planting ice plants, the Gregorian calendar or the lunar calendar?

The best time to plant iceberg lettuce is in spring and autumn. The planting time in spring is generally from late March to early April. This period can avoid the high temperatures in summer and is conducive to the growth and development of ice plants. The planting time in autumn is between mid-September and late October. At this time, the temperature gradually decreases and the daylight hours gradually shorten, which is very beneficial for the growth and germination of ice plants.

How to grow ice plant?

1. Soil preparation

Ice plant likes to grow in fertile, loose, breathable and water-retaining soil with a pH value between 6.0-7.0. It is recommended to choose fertile sandy soil, deep plowing before planting, and adding an appropriate amount of decomposed organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility.

2. Seed treatment

Choose high-quality, plump seeds that are free of pests and diseases for planting. To increase germination rates, soak the seeds in warm water for about 20 minutes and then dry them. Seed treatments can also be used to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.

3. Sowing method

Before sowing, put the seedling nutrient soil into the hole tray or flat tray, water it thoroughly, and sow after the water is drained. The seeds of ice plant are small, so they are generally grown by seedling transplanting. After sowing, cover with a layer of 0.3-0.5 cm thick nutrient soil and keep the soil moist.

4. Transplanting and planting

When the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, they can be transplanted. Choose sunny weather when transplanting and be careful not to damage the roots of the seedlings. Before planting, the soil needs to be watered thoroughly, then holes are dug and transplanted, with plant spacing of 20-30 cm and row spacing of 30-40 cm.

5. Management points

(1) Temperature: Ice plant grows well at temperatures between 20℃ and 30℃. During the high temperatures in summer, the plants have poor heat tolerance and should be shaded in time to prevent burns, and good ventilation should be maintained.

(2) Water: Ice plant likes a humid environment but avoids waterlogging. Therefore, keep the soil moist but do not water it too much.

(3) Fertilization: The growth cycle of ice plant is short and the demand for fertilizer is relatively small. After planting, apply a thin layer of nitrogen fertilizer to promote plant growth.

Generally speaking, ice plant is suitable for planting in spring and autumn. Of course, in addition to paying attention to the planting time, you must also master the above-mentioned technical techniques to grow high-yield and high-quality ice plants.