Talinum

Talinum paniculatum, known as Jewels of Opar, brings lightness and playfulness to gardens and bouquets alike. This low-maintenance annual forms a basal rosette of fresh green leaves, from which thin stems, sixty to ninety centimeters long, emerge in June. Clouds of tiny flowers in vibrant shades of crimson, coral, and pink open at their tips. They attract bees and butterflies, while the plant itself is also completely edible. It looks delicate in a flower bed and fills the spaces between more prominent perennials. It also stands out as filler greenery in a vase. You can cut the flowering stems or wait for the small, shiny seed pods, which are easy to dry. Even beginners can successfully grow Talinum from seeds. Sow them from April to June in a sunny or semi-shaded location with well-drained soil. Do not cover them on the surface, as they need light to germinate. They are not prone to pests and will readily self-seed at the end of the summer.