Little Pickles

What you'll need:

Little Pickles seeds or a small plant (if you're starting with seeds, they’re often labeled as "succulent" or "drought-tolerant")

A pot with drainage holes (a 4-6 inch pot works perfectly for young plants)

Well-draining soil mix (cactus or succulent soil is ideal, but you can also mix regular soil with sand or perlite to make it drain faster)

• Gravel or small stones for the top layer (optional but helps with drainage and looks nice!)

When to start:

Little Pickles love warmth, so you’ll want to plant them in spring or early summer. If you live in a colder area, just wait until the last frost has passed before moving them outside.

Finding a good spot:

These little guys enjoy bright light but not too much direct sun—especially if you live somewhere really hot. A sunny windowsill with some shade during the hottest part of the day is perfect. If planting outdoors, choose a spot that gets filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade.

Tip: If you're growing from seeds, keep them indoors where it's warm and stable until they sprout.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill your pot with well-draining soil, leaving about an inch from the top.
2. Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the soil surface (don’t bury them too deep; they need light to germinate).
3. Gently press the seeds into the soil so they make contact but aren’t fully covered.
4. Mist the soil lightly with water (a spray bottle works great) to keep it moist but not soggy.
5. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot (but avoid intense direct sunlight).
6. Seeds should sprout within 1-2 weeks if kept warm.

If you have a young plant:

1. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one and fill it halfway with well-draining soil.
2. Carefully remove the plant from its nursery container, being gentle with the roots.
3. Place the plant in the new pot and add more soil around the base, pressing down lightly to secure it.
4. Water lightly after planting to help it settle into its new home.

Tip: After planting, sprinkle some small stones or gravel on top of the soil to improve drainage and give it a neat look.

Watering:

• Little Pickles are drought-tolerant, meaning they don't like to be watered too often. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
• When you do water, give it a good soak until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Then wait until the soil feels dry again before watering.
• In winter, cut back on watering even more—they go into a kind of rest mode and won’t need much.

Sunlight:

• These plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They can handle some direct sun, but too much might burn their leaves.
• If indoors, place them near a window where they get plenty of light but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
• Outdoors, morning sun with light shade in the afternoon is ideal.

Feeding:

• During the growing season (spring and summer), feed them once a month with a diluted liquid fertilizer made for cacti or succulents.
• Don’t fertilize in fall and winter when they’re resting.

Tip: If you notice the leaves looking shriveled, it’s probably time to water—but check the soil first!

Wait, what about harvesting?

Here’s the thing about Little Pickles—they're more of a decorative plant rather than something you'd typically harvest. Their charming, pickle-shaped leaves are what make them special, but they’re not commonly eaten or used in cooking.

However, if you’re looking to propagate (make more plants):

• You can gently snip off a healthy leaf or stem.
• Let the cutting dry out for a day or two until the cut end forms a callus.
• Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and mist it occasionally. It should start rooting in a few weeks!

Tip: Propagation is a fun way to share your Little Pickles with friends or expand your collection without buying new plants.

Q: Why are my Little Pickles’ leaves turning yellow or mushy?

A: This usually means you’re overwatering. Make sure the soil dries out completely between waterings, and always use a pot with drainage holes.

Q: Can I grow Little Pickles indoors all year round?

A: Absolutely! As long as they get enough bright, indirect light, they’ll do just fine indoors. Just adjust your watering schedule depending on how dry your indoor air is.

Q: Do Little Pickles flower?

A: Yes! They may produce small yellow flowers during the growing season. These blooms are delicate and add an extra touch of charm to the plant.

Q: How fast does Little Pickles grow?

A: They grow slowly compared to other plants, which makes them perfect for beginners because they don’t require constant attention.

Q: My Little Pickles plant is getting leggy—what should I do?

A: Leggy growth usually happens when the plant isn’t getting enough light. Try moving it closer to a brighter window or providing supplemental light if needed.