Green Purslane leaves on a black plate with green juice on a white background.
Green Purslane in small tarts on wooden tray
Green Purslane growing in garden
Green Purslane leaves on a black plate with green juice on a white background.
Green Purslane in small tarts on wooden tray
Green Purslane growing in garden

Purslane Seeds,
Green

4.430 ReviewsSKU: #HB151Min. seed count: 300
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Description

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 contain the most vitamin A of any green leafy vegetable, and the culinary potential is boundless! A popular green in Mexico that was favored by Jere’s grandmother, who grew up there.

Growing Tips: Tender perennial that self-sows easily. Surface-sow, gently pressing into soil as light aids germination. Harvest before blooming to limit plants' spread.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Portulaca oleracea
Life Cycle
Perennial in zones 10–11
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
35
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
9–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct seed purslane in a sunny location with 6 to 12 hours of sun after all chance of frost has passed and the soil has reliably warmed; this plant is not frost hardy. Surface sow, gently pressing the seed into the soil, since light aids germination, and space plants 9 to 12 inches apart. The seed wants real warmth, 70 to 85 F, and takes 14 to 21 days to come up. Leaves are ready about 35 days from sowing, and in zones 10 to 11 the plant carries on as a tender perennial.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Direct seed in sunny location (6-12 hours of sun) after all chance of frost has passed and soil has reliably warmed.
  • Surface sow; plants should be 9-12 inches apart.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70-85 F.
  • Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.

How to Grow

  • Prefers full sun to part shade.
  • Provide well-drained average to poor soil.
  • Space plants 9-12 inches apart.
  • A heat- and drought-tolerant plant.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • A pest-and disease-free plant.
  • If you are concerned about purslane becoming weedy, simply cut the entire plant back to about 4 inches tall before the flowers open to prevent reseeding.

How to Save Seeds

  • To save seed, keep an eye on the small seed capsules, which will change from green to dry and brown.
  • When brown, carefully pry open the capsule and collect the tiny black seeds.
  • Store seeds in a cool, dark, dry place.

FAQ

Should I cover purslane seed with soil?

No. Surface sow it and gently press it into the soil, as light aids germination. At 70 to 85 F, seedlings come up in 14 to 21 days.

Will purslane take over my garden?

It self-sows easily. Harvesting before the plants bloom limits their spread, and if you are concerned about reseeding, simply cut the entire plant back to about 4 inches tall before the flowers open.

What does it taste like and how is it used?

This low, crawling plant produces tender stems and juicy leaves with a pleasing salty, slightly sour flavor that is excellent added to salads. It has been appreciated as a potherb in Europe since antiquity and is a popular green in Mexico.
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