How to Grow Purslane

grow purslane

You’ve probably walked over one of the healthiest vegetables available without even knowing it. Purslane often grows in the cracks between sidewalks. It was introduced around the world from Persia and India. Until recently, purslane has been forgotten as an important vegetable and seen as a weed in the US. The plant has more omega‑3 fatty acids in its succulent leaves than any other leafy green and even some fish oils. It is also high in vitamins A, B, C, iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium. You can grow purslane in your garden and enjoy the health benefits.

Steps to Grow Purslane

What You Need

Purslane seeds

Peat Pots

Freezer bags

Shovel

Step 1

Begin to plant your purslane in peat pots about 2 months before the last frost in spring. Fill your peat pots with soil. Plant each seed at a depth of ½ inch.

Step 2

Put the peat pots in freezer bags and place them in the refrigerator for three weeks to stratify the seeds. After three weeks, remove the pots from the bags and place them in a sunny window where the temperature remains at about 75 degrees F for three weeks.

Step 3

Select a sunny location for transplanting your purslane. Purslane thrives in hot locations with poor soil, sandy soils.

Step 4

Dig a hole big enough for one of the peat pots. Place the peat pot into the hole and pat soil from the garden around the base of the plant. Press the soil down firmly to make sure the plant is in place. Transplant each of your purslane plants about ½ a foot apart.

Step 5

Water your purslane immediately after transplanting so that the soil is moistened well. Allow your plants to be watered by rain in the future. Purslane does not require much water and will thrive during the hottest months.

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