Common purslane

Portulaca oleracea

Plant family

Purslane family (Portulacaceae)

Also known as

Little Hogweed, Pursley

Season Overview

Sowing

Harvest

J

F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Seeding distance

15 cm

Row spacing

15 cm

Seeding depth

0 cm

Instructions

Description

The purslane, summer purslane or vegetable purslane belongs to the purslane family (Portulacaceae) and is used as a vegetable, spice and medicinal plant. It is not related to winter purslane. It grows herbaceous, annual and succulent and grows up to 30 cm tall. The flowering period is between June and October. The leaves and flowers are used. The taste is pleasantly nutty, with slight acidity. It is also used as a weed, as it spreads quickly and the seeds remain germinable for a long time, but needs warm temperatures to grow. Contains many vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals.

Origin:

Africa and Asia Minor

Growing tips

Light germinators. Best to take in sets with an interval of 2 weeks, so you can harvest throughout. Pre-culture is possible, but not necessary, as the seeds grow very quickly. Ideal temperature: 30°C. When harvesting, leave the lower third of the plant, then it will sprout again. Insensitive to pests.