Whether you garden in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers, purslane is a great addition or re-addition to your plant family. Read on for simple, straightforward specifics about growing purslane.
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Family | Container Size | Good Companions | Bad Companions | Soil Conditions | Germination | Sun | Water | Temperature Range | Height | Lifespan | Reproduction | Ingestibility | Further Reading
What Family Does Purslane Belong To?
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) belongs to the Portulacaceae family, also known as the purslane family.
Some of its relatives include moss rose and chickenweed.
What Size Container Should I Use for Growing Purslane?
The minimum container size recommended for purslane is 6 inches deep by 8 inches wide.
Learn more in our Choosing the Right Planter for Your Container Garden article here.
What Are Good Companion Plants for Purslane?
Some of purslane's best companions are as follows:
- Lettuce
- Beet
- Radish, kohlrabi, and other Brassicas
- Carrot
- Basil
- Wheat
- Millet
- Amaranth
- Rye
- Corn
- Poppy
- Clovers such as red, white, or crimson clover
What Are Bad Companion Plants for Purslane?
Purslane is not compatible with every plant. Some things to avoid planting with purslane are as follows:
- Fennel
- Marshmallow
- Watercress
- Celery
What Soil Conditions Does Purslane Need?
Purslane prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
However, it is tolerant of most soils and has a prolific, weedy growth pattern in many areas.
How Long Does Purslane Take to Germinate?
Purslane takes 7-10 days to germinate at a temperature of 60-90°F.
It germinates fastest in temperatures of 85-90ºF.
Purslane seeds have been known to germinate after being stored for 30 years or more, so don't be afraid to try starting old seeds!
How Much Sun Does Purslane Need?
Purslane prefers full sun.
Sun recommendations can vary by region, and purslane grown in hot areas or in warmer conditions than the ideal temperature range noted below may need more shade.
How Much Water Does Purslane Need?
Purslane should be watered deeply when the top 1 inch of its soil is dry.
What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Growing Purslane?
Purslane grows fastest in temperatures of 60-105°F.
This is its ideal temperature range. Although it will grow in temperatures both cooler and warmer than this range, the growth could be slower or even stunted.
Minimum and maximum temperatures will vary by variety.
How Tall Does Purslane Get?
The average height of purslane is 4-8 feet, though it can grow up to 16 feet tall.
Purslane can also grow up to 15 feet wide.
Is Purslane Annual, Biennial, or Perennial?
Purslane is a perennial herb, meaning that it lives for longer than a couple years, in Hardiness Zones 10 and above.
In Hardiness Zones 9 and below, it is grown as an annual, meaning that it starts and ends its life in the same year.
Learn more about USDA hardiness zones here.
How Does Purslane Reproduce?
Purslane reproduces by seed.
Can Purslane Be Ingested?
Purslane leaves, stems, and seeds are edible.
Purslane leaves, stems, and seeds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They can be used in herbal preparations. The most common preparations are tea and tinctures. An herb:solvent weight ratio of 1:3 at 30% alcohol is suggested for a purslane leaf tincture.
Purslane contains oxalic acid. Those who are sensitive to oxalates and oxalic acid may want to avoid it or limit their intake of it. Oxalates are significantly reduced by cooking.
There are no other known safety concerns associated with ingesting purslane leaves, stems, or seeds.
Further Reading
This article is intended as a quick-reference guide for gardeners. Consult your seed packet or seed catalog for variety-specific information.
When you have a bumper crop of purslane rolling in, you may not have enough time for long, complicated recipes or many-step preservation procedures. Check out my article on quick, simple uses for purslane here!
Purslane is featured in these Plant to Plate articles: