Occidental Pickleweed Plant Care

Occidental Pickleweed (Allenrolfea occidentalis) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Allenrolfea genus. Occidental Pickleweed is also known as Desert Pickleweed, Western Pickleweed.

Occidental Pickleweed displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Occidental Pickleweed produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Occidental Pickleweed every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Occidental Pickleweed thrives in full sun.

Allenrolfea occidentalis tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Occidental Pickleweed prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Sandy, well-draining soil with high salt tolerance. Good drainage is essential for Occidental Pickleweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Occidental Pickleweed every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and sandy, well-draining soil with high salt tolerance. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Occidental Pickleweed is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Occidental Pickleweed can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Occidental Pickleweed while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Occidental Pickleweed is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Occidental Pickleweed can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Occidental Pickleweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Occidental Pickleweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Occidental Pickleweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.