| Common Name | Jewels of Opar |
| Genus | Talinum |
| Species | T. paniculatum |
| Family | Talinaceae |
| Life Cycle | Tender Perennial in zones 9 and 10 (grown as a tender annual in colder regions) |
| Tray Size | 125 |
| Plug Care | Harden off and plant out as soon as your plugs arrive. Avoid any stress on the plugs while in their trays, such as drying out or becoming rootbound. Avoid excessive root disturbance when planting out. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary. |
| Temperature Range | Thrives in warm temperatures (70-85°F). Not frost-tolerant; wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting. Although it might perennialize in warmer areas, it can be grown as an annual across the US. |
| Spacing | 12-18 inches apart to accommodate growth habit and to allow for proper air circulation around plants. |
| Soil Preference | Average, well-drained soil is fine. Amending the soil prior to planting with compost and some pelleted fertilizer is always recommended. Irrigate regularly through the growing season for top quality plants. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral plants, these will flower during short and long days. They require full sun for the best growth. |
| Pinching | Not necessary. Plants will produce multiple stems naturally. |
| When to Plant | Plant in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. |
| Harvesting | You are not harvesting the flowers of this plant, but rather the whimsical seed pods that are left after the flowers drop. Wait for the majority of flowers to fall, seed pods to form and stems take on a reddish hue before harvesting. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into a bucket with cool water. Store out of the sunlight (in a cooler for best results) and allow to properly condition before use. Expect a vase life of about a week. |
| Diseases / Insects | Generally pest and disease free. |
| Bailey's Notes | So, maybe you won't retire on the profits of this one, but it's one of my favorite container plants, and I'm always snipping off of it for design work. The inconspicuous flowers turn into little red and pink berry-like fruits on dainty but tough stems. They can get more than 2' tall, and offer an airy texture quite unlike any other commercial cut crop. For the right market these may be an unexpected seller. They have a tendency to reseed a bit, even within the same season. |
| Resources | NA |