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Portulaca oleracea
Portulaca oleracea
Portulaca oleracea
Portulaca oleracea

Portulaca oleracea

TAXONOMY

FamilyPortulacaceae
GenusPortulaca
Zone10

ABOUT

Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane, is a semisucculent annual plant in the family Portulacaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent but has spread worldwide. It thrives in temperate climates and is known for its fleshy, succulent leaves and small yellow flowers. Purslane is often considered a weed but is also edible and used in various culinary dishes.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Common Purselane
Little Hogweed
Purslane
Portulaca consanguinea
Portulaca fosbergii
Portulaca fosbergii var. major
Portulaca hortensis
Portulaca intermedia
Portulaca latifolia
Portulaca marginata
Portulaca neglecta
Portulaca officinarum
Portulaca oleracea f. alba
Portulaca oleracea f. aurantia
Portulaca oleracea f. aurea
Portulaca oleracea f. caryophyllina
Portulaca oleracea f. gillesii
Portulaca oleracea f. haageana
Portulaca oleracea f. parvifolia
Portulaca oleracea f. rosea
Portulaca oleracea f. sativa
Portulaca oleracea f. striata
Portulaca oleracea f. sulfurea
Portulaca oleracea f. violacea
Portulaca oleracea subsp. granulatostellulata
Portulaca oleracea subsp. oleracea
Portulaca oleracea subsp. sativa
Portulaca oleracea subsp. stellata
Portulaca oleracea subsp. sylvestris
Portulaca oleracea var. macrantha
Portulaca oleracea var. micrantha
Portulaca oleracea var. opposita
Portulaca oleracea var. parvifolia
Portulaca oleracea var. sativa
Portulaca olitoria
Portulaca parvifolia
Portulaca pilosa var. marginata
Portulaca retusa
Portulaca sativa
Portulaca stellata
Portulaca suffruticosa
Portulaca sylvestris

OVERVIEW

WaterDry
SoilSandy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity50%
GDD900
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Purslane is easy to care for and thrives in bright, direct sunlight. It prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It can grow both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
Harvest
Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane, can be harvested approximately 60 days after planting. The best time to harvest is in the morning when the leaves are crisp and full of moisture. To harvest, simply snip the stems with scissors or a sharp knife, taking care to leave the base of the plant intact so it can continue to grow. Purslane can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. Ensure that the plant is not flowering for the best flavor and nutritional content.
Soil
Purslane prefers well-draining, sandy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in moderately fertile soil. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant.
Fertilizer
Fertilize purslane with a balanced fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, once a month during the growing season. This will help promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Repotting
Repot purslane when it outgrows its current container or if the soil becomes compacted. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, shake off excess soil, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.
Propagation
Purslane can be easily propagated from seeds or cuttings. Sow seeds directly in the soil in spring or take cuttings from a healthy plant and root them in moist soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until the cuttings establish roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for purslane, but you can trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts.
Toxicity
Purslane is not toxic to pets or humans. In fact, it is edible and often used in salads, soups, and other dishes. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients.
Additional
Purslane is a resilient plant that can thrive in various conditions. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soil, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Additionally, its edible leaves and stems add a nutritious and flavorful element to your diet.
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