Purslane
Portulaca oleracea · Portulacaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant purslane: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, fleshy and succulent
- Flowering
- Summer (June to September)
- Adult size
- 10 to 30 cm in height, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Tender (freezes below 5°C)
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions
- Soil type
- Well-draining, poor to moderately fertile
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce considerably in winter or autumn. Avoid excess moisture which promotes root rot. The plant is very tolerant of drought.
Light and exposure
Place your purslane in full sun, for at least 6 hours per day. Intense light promotes better growth and more abundant flowering. Indoors, position it near a very sunny window.
Soil and drainage
Use light, well-draining substrate with a good percentage of sand or perlite. Purslane prefers poor soils and doesn't need rich organic matter. Cactus or succulent potting mix works perfectly.
Fertilization
Fertilize lightly during the growing season (summer) with balanced or diluted fertilizer. One or two applications are sufficient. Do not fertilize in winter. Overfeeding promotes excessive foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young stems to encourage a more compact, branched habit. Regularly remove dead or wilted parts. No severe pruning is necessary; the plant naturally maintains a low, spreading form.
Diseases and pests
Purslane is relatively disease-resistant if drainage is good. Root or base rot is the main risk with excessive moisture. Watch for mealybugs and aphids, especially indoors; treat promptly with mild insecticide if necessary.
Did you know?
Purslane has been cultivated since ancient times in Egypt and Asia, not only as an ornamental but also for its edible leaves and seeds, rich in nutrients. In Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, it is valued in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Its fleshy stems spread very easily through simple contact with soil, making it a feared 'weed' to gardeners in the past, before its nutritional qualities were rediscovered.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.