How to grow Pigface in Australia
A tough coastal succulent that thrives in full sun and sandy, free draining soil. It needs almost no watering once established and rots in wet, rich ground, so keep it lean.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 2 litres a week, watered every 7 days
- Spacing: 40 cm
- Time to harvest: 60 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 8
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to March | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to March | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to March | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | October to December | Frost-tender succulent; sow Oct to Nov. Mulch heavily for winter survival or lift for storage. |
| Adelaide & SA | April to August | Plant cuttings or tubestock Apr to Aug, after the opening rains, so roots are down before summer. Local karkalla needs no summer water once established. |
| Perth & WA | April to July | Plant cuttings or tubestock from April into early winter, once rain has wet the sand. Roots grow through winter and the mat needs no summer water after that. |
| Tasmania | September to November | Hardy on Tasmanian coasts where it grows wild. Plant cuttings Sep to Nov. |
| Canberra & ACT | September to March | Pigface (ice plant) is frost-hardy succulent; plant spring-autumn; tolerates poor soil and drought; perennial groundcover. |
| North Queensland | September to March | Wet season. Pigface (native succulent) tolerates tropical heat and humidity. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Wet season. Pigface (native succulent) tolerates tropical heat and humidity. |
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick young leaves and stems any time they look plump and green. Snap or pinch off tips and it keeps sending out fresh growth.
Storage
Use flowers and leaves fresh within 2 to 3 days. Fruit eaten fresh.