Purslane Plant Care

There are many varieties of purslane plants, from moss rose and pig weed to wild purslane. All are succulents and are now known to contain very high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Often viewed as a bothersome weed for gardeners, purslane plants, with their characteristic red stems, are becoming a popular dietary supplement.

Culitvating

Whether for culinary use or ground cover, purslane plants can be cultivated almost anywhere in the United States. Grown from seeds, the purslane is an annual herb that thrives in sunny locations.

Sow the seeds just below ground level, after the threat of frost in spring, in an area that receives full sun and has well draining, preferably sandy, soil. Most varieties of puslane are heat loving, drought tolerant and will do better in a poor soil rather than a compost rich, loamy soil. Purslane seeds will generally germinate in one to three weeks, depending on the variety. About 60 days after planting your seeds, you will be able to harvest the leaves for culinary use.

It is also possible to start purslane seed indoors by sowing them in potting soil, close to the surface. Place the flat or pots in your refrigerator for 15 days, then move the pots or flats to a warm, sunny spot. When the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches, transplant them outdoors.

Maintaining

Purslane plants are very low maintenance, with your main concern being to limit their spreading. A purslane plant will reseed itself prolifically, if allowed to, and soon will take over your garden. To avoid this, as soon as your purslane has flowered, either cut it back or remove the plant from your garden. Do not place your removed purslane into your compost pile because the purslane plant will continue to produce its seeds, even after it is dug up, and will establish itself and spread within your compost pile. Instead, harvest the leaves of your purslane for culinary purposes while the plant is young and the leaves are most flavorful. Then, trim back your plant to 1/2 to 3/4 inch above ground. Your purslane plant will continue to regrow, providing you with new tender leaves. By doing this, you will have a bounty of nutritional purslane leaves throughout the summer and into fall.

Purslane plants are drought tolerant and most thrive in hot, dry conditions. However, you should water tender young plants and during extreme heat for established plants. Generally, purslane plants can be watered one or two times a week. Fertilizer is not necessary, nor will insects, pests or disease be a problem with your purslane.

References

• How to Grow Purslane

Resources

• About Purslane Plants
• More on Purslane Plants
• Purslane Recipes