{"product_id":"sweetie-pie-blackberry-starter-plant-copy","title":"Kiko’s Crump South Sea Salad Tree Starter Plant","description":"\u003cp\u003eKiko’s Crump South Sea Salad Tree Live Plant – Edible Hibiscus Tropical Perennial Green\u003cbr\u003eAbelmoschus manihot 'Kiko's Crump'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListing is for one rooted plant. Plants are grown in 72 cell trays so that they will be rooted but small enough for efficient shipping.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind full growing and planting directions for my banana starter plants here: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/zrzkc797\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/tinyurl.com\/zrzkc797\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKiko’s Crump South Sea Salad Tree (\u003cem\u003eAbelmoschus manihot\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Growing Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones: \u003c\/strong\u003eGarden 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFertility\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerennial evergreen\u003c\/strong\u003e - will lose leaves if exposed to too much cold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun or partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil: \u003c\/strong\u003eEverything 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater: \u003c\/strong\u003eMonitor young plants and keep consistent water. Once established, the can survive periods of drought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizer: \u003c\/strong\u003eNot 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping  ***I cannot ship this plant to California and Hawaii due to agricultural restrictions***\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jerrasgarden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49138564628705,"sku":"PLANTS105","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0650\/4012\/2081\/files\/kikoscrumpsouthseasaladtreeplant1.jpg?v=1789585008","url":"https:\/\/www.jerrasgarden.com\/products\/sweetie-pie-blackberry-starter-plant-copy","provider":"Jerra's Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}