More Information
| Botanical Name |
Portulaca oleracea |
| Seeds Per Pack |
100 |
| Life Cycle |
Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
7 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
21 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
Surface Sow; press seeds gently into the soil to make good contact, but do not cover with any additional soil; these seeds require light to germinate |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 2-4 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past, Outdoors in early spring, a month before the last spring frost |
| Growing Height |
6-12 in. (15-30 cm) |
| Plant Spacing |
9-12 in. (22-30 cm) |
| Hardiness |
N/A |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun |
| Danger |
N/A |
| Bloom Color |
Bright Yellow |
| Other Details |
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping |
| Soil pH Requirements |
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
| Days to Harvest |
40-50, 50-60 |
| Propagation Methods |
From herbaceous stem cuttings, From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds |
Low, crawling plant produces tender stems and juicy leaves that are excellent added to salads. Purslane is a powerhouse of plant nutrition and is considered one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids in the plant world. This juicy and totally delectable succulent type plant adds dimension to dishes with its pleasing salty, slightly sour flavor. Appreciated as a potherb in Europe since antiquity, somehow purslane does not enjoy the same fanfare in America, which is a shame as the leaves are known to contain more vitamin A than almost any plant, and the culinary potential is boundless! A popular green in Mexico that was favored by Jere’s Hispanic grandmother. Also used in herbal healing plans.