Common purslane

Plant family

Purslane family (Portulacaceae)

Also known as

Little Hogweed, Pursley

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Plant distance

15 cm

Row spacing

15 cm

Seeding depth

0Not specified

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.

Growing tips

Light germinator. It is best to sow in sets 2 weeks apart so that you can harvest continuously. Pre-cultivation is possible, but not necessary, as the seeds grow very quickly. Ideal temperature: 30°C. When harvesting, leave the lower third of the plant standing, then it will sprout again. Insensitive to pests.