Kiko’s Crump South Sea Salad Tree Starter Plant

Kiko’s Crump South Sea Salad Tree Live Plant – Edible Hibiscus Tropical Perennial Green Abelmoschus manihot 'Kiko's Crump' Listing is for one rooted plant. Plants are grown in 72 cell trays so that they will be rooted but small enough for efficient shipping. Find full growing and planting directions for my banana starter plants here: https://tinyurl.com/zrzkc797 Kiko’s Crump South Sea Salad Tree (Abelmoschus manihot) is a fast-growing tropical perennial edible plant also known as Bele, Aibika, Island Cabbage, or Edible Hibiscus. Popular in tropical and subtropical gardens, South Sea Salad Trees produce an abundance of tender edible leaves that can be harvested again and again, making them an excellent warm-weather alternative to traditional leafy greens. Kiko’s Crump is especially prized for its large, broad, solid-green leaves, which are perfect for using fresh as wraps or adding to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. The leaves have a mild flavor and can also be lightly cooked like spinach or added to soups, stews, curries, and stir-fries, where they develop a soft, slightly silky texture. The hibiscus-like flowers are edible as well! This vigorous, heat-loving plant can grow approximately 6–8+ feet tall but responds well to regular pruning, which helps maintain a bushier, more manageable plant while encouraging plenty of tender new growth. Grow it in your edible landscape, food forest, raised bed, large container, or kitchen garden for a beautiful ornamental plant that also provides an ongoing harvest of tropical greens. When can I start harvesting leaves? Leaves can be harvested right away. But I recommend allowing this starter plant to grow to at least 2 feet tall before harvesting leaves. Ideal Growing Conditions USDA Hardiness Zones: Garden zones 9 and up. Does not like temperatures below 35F. Protect young plants if temperatures drop below 40F. Once established, they can take brief periods of cold down to 32F but expect some leaf damage. Fertility: Sweetie Pie is a self fertile variety meaning you only need 1 plant to get production but if you plant more than one plant near each other, they will cross pollinate which will increase production. Perennial evergreen - will lose leaves if exposed to too much cold Sun: Full sun or partial shade Soil: Everything grows best in soil that is heavy in composted organic matter BUT this plant grows just fine in a variety of soils without amendments, like my native Florida sandy soil. Water: Monitor young plants and keep consistent water. Once established, the can survive periods of drought. Fertilizer: Not really necessary for mature plants, but for young/smaller plants I recommend mixing in blood meal into the planting hole which is high in nitrogen and promotes lush leafy growth. Shipping ***I cannot ship this plant to California and Hawaii due to agricultural restrictions***