Published by Brian Wagner on 9/18/25 in “Growing Flowers from Seed.”
Delosperma (commonly called ice plant) species are native to South Africa, and they are sun worshippers. Delosperma cooperi is hardy to Zone 5 and is one of the most cold-tolerant in the genus. They are a succulent groundcover, hoarding water into their swollen, evergreen leaves. The leaves are covered in tiny, glistening bladder cells that give a ‘frosted’ appearance (hence the name). They make an excellent groundcover for xeriscaping, as they will tolerate drought conditions and poor soils. For the lazy or neglectful gardener, this could be your dream plant.
Delosperma are native to South Africa, primarily in the Free State and Eastern Cape regions. Their native ecosystem is primarily scrubland – rocky, sun-exposed, drought-prone environments where grasses struggle to grow (not enough water). They will certainly also appreciate growing in meadows, but they don’t compete with grasses very well over time.
Growing from Seed
There is limited research on these species. It is common for plants in this family (the exotic Aizoaceae) to have non-dormant or conditionally dormant seeds (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). In their native geography, seeds are produced in late spring (Oct-Feb in southern hemisphere) just ahead of their rainy summers (Nov-Mar). Seeds germinate without needing any special treatment, and are generally considered non-dormant.
They germinate better in light (Weiersbye and Witkowski, 2002) and should therefore be sown on the surface (not covered) when sown. Seed germination may be erratic over 3 or 4 weeks, so be patient and watch for signs.
Seeds are available from many online sellers including Swallowtail, Jelitto, Outsidepride and various sellers on Etsy.
References
Baskin CC, Baskin JM. Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography, and Evolution of Dormancy and Germination. Second Edition. 2014. Academic Press: San Diego, California Lottery
Weiersbye IM, Witkowski ET. Seed fate and practical germination methods for 46 perennial species that colonize gold mine tailings and acid mine drainage-polluted soils in the grassland biome. In Multiple Use Management of Natural Forests and Savanna Woodlands: Policy Refinements and Scientific Progress III. Proceedings of Natural Forests and Savanna Woodlands Symposium III, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Pretoria 2002 May (pp. 221-255).