Purslane - Green

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Category: Herb

Type: Purslane

Variety: Green

Family: Portulaca

Botanical Name: Portulaca Oleracea

Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9,10

Growing Difficulty:  3

Soil PH:  5.5 to 7.0

Fertilizer Requirements:  None Required

Soil Type: Any (Drought tolerant)

Germination (days): 7 to 10

Soil Temp for Germination: 60 -70°F

Lighting Conditions: Full Sun/Partial

Days to Maturity:  50 – 55

Planting Depth:  1/8”

Distance Apart (in row):  8-12”

Row Spacing: 16”

Sowing Instructions

DIRECT SOW IN FULL SUN WHEN SOIL TEMPS ARE ABOVE 60°F

Starting Indoors

3-5 WEEKS BEFORE LAST FROST

Growing Tips

Purslane needs full or partial sun and clear ground. Grows in about any type of soil but does do best in drier soil. Purslane is easy to grow and is usually thought of as a weed. It is an aggressive plant and can quickly take over if allowed. Weed as needed. Water occasionally.

Culinary Uses

Purslane can be eaten raw or cooked and has a flavor like Spinach. As a vegetable Purslane can be used in salads, sandwiches, dips sauces and many more.  Purslane seeds are also edible fresh or ground for tea and baked goods.

Medicinal Uses

Although many people consider Purslane to be an invasive weed that they would rather eradicate from their gardens, it can be one of the most beneficial medicinal crops to grow (with extraordinarily little effort). If it is already growing relentlessly in your garden or yard, perhaps it is trying to tell you something?

The numerous medicinal uses of Purslane are well documented and studied worldwide. From treatment of burns, to headache remedies, intestinal diseases, stomach problems, shortness of breath, liver repair, coughing and arthritis… This little weed can be an incredible treatment for a variety of ailments.

Purslane has also been found to help with cardiac issues (when used as a tonic), a natural muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory and even a diuretic. Commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis and psoriasis.

In Chinese medicine, Purslane is often used as a treatment for hypotension and diabetes.

Harvesting Crops

Harvest Purslane when it is young before it goes to seed. Removing flowers and cutting back mature plants allows for progressive regrowth. Purslane is crisper when harvested in the morning and sweeter when harvested in the afternoon.

Experiment with harvesting your Purslane at different times of the day to determine which is most pleasing to your palette.

Harvesting Seed

When Purslane is ripe the top cone breaks and the seeds scatter naturally. To collect the seeds cut the pods from the plant before they scatter.

Keep in mind that Purslane is a rapid growing herb that will quickly take over if not properly maintained. Make sure to keep on top of this hardy little herb, otherwise it may become invasive.