JEWELS OF OPAR SEEDS

Talinum paniculatum

A tragically underused ornamental edible, valuable for both cut flowers and salad fare. This species can be grown as a self-sowing annual in zones 5-7 and perennial in zone 8 and warmer. Features large sprawling rosettes of succulent foliage. The tiniest of tiny pink flowers are born in a flurry on long stems that are perfect for cutting. Unlike most salad plants, flowering does not diminish the quality of the leaves.

Native to tropical America, this species is cultivated for greens in hot climates around the world. Substantial leaves are mildly mucilaginous, with a flavor and texture very similar to purslane. Cooked they become somewhat slimy, although less so than Malabar Spinach. We love them tucked into tomato sandwiches.

Prefers hot summers in full or part sun and loose well-drained soils. It will tolerate drought once established and does very well in densely planted kitchen garden beds. Produces a huge amount of food where it is happy, generously filling the gap between spring and autumn greens in hot summer climates.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost: press seeds into moist soil, sprinkle with fine vermiculite, and mist generously with warm water. Cover with plastic to maintain moisture. Kept consistently warm (around 75°-80°F) and moist in bright light seeds will germinate in a week or so. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual pots or cells in bright light and warm temperatures before transplanting outdoors into warm sunny soils after the last spring frost.

Jewels of Opar will sow itself generously if allowed, sometimes producing a second crop in a single long growing season. To collect seed, carefully gather the dry pale brown seed pods before they burst. Pods ripen over several weeks, allowing gardeners to gather both seed and useful floral material in addition to salad greens for much of the summer and autumn. An incredibly useful plant.

Packet contains at least 100 seeds.