Talinum is one of Bailey's favorite container plants, and it is the perfect "something" you are looking for in a bouquet. Talinum paniculatum has inconspicuous flowers that turn into little red and pink berry-like fruits on dainty but tough stems. Their common name, Jewels of Opar, speaks to look of these shiny little fruits. to They are warm-weather loving, can get more than 2' tall, and offer an airy texture quite unlike any other commercial cut crop. They have a tendency to reseed a bit, even within the same season.

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. Handle the plug gently to avoid excessive root disturbance when planting out. Talinum thrives in warm temperatures (70-85°F) and is 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. It prefers average, well-drained soil. Irrigate regularly through the growing season for top quality plants.

Photo Credit: By lalithamba - originally uploaded to Flickr as Talinum cuneifolium Willd., CC BY 2.0

Space plants 12-18 inches apart to accommodate growth habit and to allow for proper air circulation around plants. Planting closer is possible, but the seed pods can be tangly, and the basal growth can become waterlogged if not given enough space. Talinum is generally not suseptible to pests.

Photo Credit: By Ronggy - Own work, Public Domain

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. 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.

Photo Credit: By 阿橋 HQ - 土人參 Talinum patens [香港動植物公園 Hong Kong Botanical Garden], CC BY-SA 2.0