Portulaca oleracea (Green Purslane) is a small succulent that is native to Southern Europe but widely grown around the world for its wide variety of uses. Green Purslane makes a pretty annual, produces tasty edible leaves and is used medicinally in juices or poultices.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Portulaca oleracea is a popular herb plant throughout history and has also been called Pursley or Little Hogweed. It thrives in warm, tropical climates but can be grown as an annual in temperate regions.
All parts of Green Purslane are edible either or raw or cooked while the seeds can be used to make flour. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable throughout much of Europe, North Africa, Asia, the Middle East and in Mexico and has a slightly sour, salty taste. Australian Aboriginals are also known to use the seeds in seedcakes.
To view our full range of herbs click here.
Growth
Portulaca oleracea is a herbaceous succulent that reaches the small height of up to 40cm (16 inches) and a width of 30cm (12 inches). Green Purslane is grown as an annual in colder climates as it does not tolerate frost, but is perennial in Tropical regions. They enjoy consistently moist soils and will grow fast when watered regularly and provided full sunshine.
In areas with high rainfall, flowers can appear year round and open only during sunny mornings. A taproot with fibrous secondary roots allow the species to tolerate poor soils and some dry spells but generally requires regular watering to keep leaves in good condition.
Green Purslane plants begin to flower in around 6-9 months but the young leaves can start being harvested in just 6-8 weeks and then anytime onwards before the plant flowers.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Portulacaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5-50°C / 41-122°F
SOIL TYPE:
Consistently moist.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 40cm (16 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 30cm (12 inches)
pH:
5.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual (Tropical perennial)
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Self-fertile but hand pollination improves strike rate.
MATURITY:
6-8 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
55-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days at temperatures between 15-25°C / 62-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1100
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT PORTULACA OLERACEA (Green Purslane)
Green Purslane is antibacterial, depurative, diuretic and antiscorbutic. The leaves are a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Omega-3 and are used to in poultices to treat burns and skin diseases. A tea can be made from the leaves that helps with stomach or headaches but shouldn’t be taken by pregnant women or anyone with digestive issues.
Pliny the Elder, a popular botanist from the Mediterranean region, advised that wearing the plant as an amulet could help expel all evil. William Cobbett once said that Purslane was “eaten by Frenchmen and pigs when they can get nothing else. Both use it in salads, that is to say, raw”.
Theophrastus, from the 4th century BC, names purslane as a summer pot herb that must be sown in April (Northern Hempishere) which equates to October here in Australia.
For more information regarding Green Purslane please click here.
