Purslane ZooFari / CC BY-SA 3.0
forageable

Purslane

Portulaca

EdibleMedicinal
Edible PartsLeaves

Overview

Often dismissed as a common weed, purslane is actually one of the most nutritious plants on earth — containing more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green and rivaling fish for ALA content. Its succulent, lemony leaves have been eaten across cultures for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt to Mexico to China. Purslane thrives in hot, dry conditions where other greens fail.

Growing Conditions

LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones5 — 8
Height0.2m
Spread0.2m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh

Companion Planting & Soil

Good Companions

CornTomatoPepperBasil
Soil pH5.5 — 7.5
Soil TypeAny well-drained soil; thrives in poor, sandy conditions

Planting Calendar

When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.

ZoneActionMonthsNotes
Cold (1-2) Direct Sow Jun — Jul Direct sow after soil warms to 70°F; scatter seeds on surface
Cold (1-2) Harvest Jul — Sep Harvest stems and leaves 60 days after sowing; high in omega-3 fatty acids
Cool (3-4) Direct Sow May — Jul Sow when soil is warm; often self-sows or appears as "weed"
Cool (3-4) Harvest Jun — Sep Cut stems above lowest leaves for regrowth; succulent texture
Moderate (5-7) Direct Sow Apr — Jul Sow after last frost; golden purslane is a cultivated variety
Moderate (5-7) Harvest May — Oct Harvest continuously; flavor is mild and slightly tart
Warm (8-9) Direct Sow Mar — Aug Sow spring through summer; thrives in heat and drought
Warm (8-9) Harvest Apr — Oct Harvest before flowering for best texture
Hot (10+) Direct Sow Feb — Sep Long season; extremely heat and drought tolerant
Hot (10+) Harvest Mar — Nov Harvest throughout warm season

Uses

Culinary

  • Raw in salads for succulent, lemony crunch
  • Stir-fried or sautéed in Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine
  • Pickled stems and leaves

Medicinal

  • Richest plant source of omega-3 ALA fatty acids
  • High in vitamins A, C, and E
  • Mucilage soothes the digestive tract

Other Uses

  • Edible ground cover that suppresses weeds
  • Drought-tolerant living mulch
  • Indicator of healthy, well-mineralized soil