How to Grow Pigface in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Pigface is a hardy, salt-tolerant coastal succulent with edible leaves and fruit. New Zealand has its own closely related native ice plant, horokaka (Disphyma australe), which is used in much the same way and is the better choice for a New Zealand garden.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant pigface in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
How to grow pigface
- Space plants about 40cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Pigface plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant pigface in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy pigface seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds and your local garden centre.