Chances are , the follow tip and tricks on how to turn purslane are not needed in your neighborhood . Purslane is prolific . However , it ’s call for hold in gardens as a groundcover and even a garden crop , so here are command if you ’re encouraging purslane somewhere it does n’t appear naturally .
Purslane is also call duckweed , fatweed , pursley , pussley , verdolagas and baseless portulaca , and this palmy plant life has heavy succulent leaves and stem with yellow bloom . Succulent aficionados commonly remark on its similarities to baby trollop works . in the beginning native to India and Persia , this plant will grow well ( too well , according to some gardeners ) in any locating that has a two - calendar month produce period .
Commonly thought of as a weed , in fact purslane is more than that — it ’s the most ordinarily reported gage specie in the total earth . The stems of these far - flung plants beam flatly on the ground from a single stem . This can sometimes conduct to large , rotary mats of leaves underfoot .
hold up off on trying to defeat this leafy irritant from dwell a garden , though . While some gardeners incline to think of purslane as simply a sens or a nuisance , others are study reward of its superabundance by serving it in peach on their dinner table . Purslane is join the ever - growing list of crops calledsuperfoods , such as kale and pomegranate . luxuriously in omega-3 , which is good for proceed the center level-headed , and beta carotene , this leafy green is just as undecomposed for you as salmon is , without the large monetary value shred or environmental considerations . There ’s no demand to worry about the environmental impact of overfishing , for example , when you may get your heart - good for you fatty acids from your front lawn ( or anywhere you discover purslane thriving ) .
Growing Conditions for Purslane
Purslane finds many growing condition suitable , as long as the arena it is planted in has a two - month growing period . It tolerates a wide variety of light , from full sun to full phantom , as well as panoptic temperature ranges and grease type . Its lush characteristic make purslane drought resistant . This plant can be tended to and cared for by even those who are unfamiliar with gardening . There ’s no penury to worry about killing this hardy works , even with the black of thumbs . to boot , this plant is so resilient that garden pests and diseases do not typically bother it . This industrial plant is so hard to stamp out that before citizenry knew of its wellness benefits , written report were conducted to take the beneficial way to eradicate it .
How to Plant Purslane
This flora also want very little human intervention when planting . Its drug abuse of growing like a weed is where purslane may get its sens - based reputation . Whether raise it from seeds , a cutting , or a stem piece , purslane will take root wherever you require it to . The only considerateness gardeners must take when planting purslane is that the seeds do not like to be sown more than a half an inch thick . Tilling the germ will bring them to the surface , appropriate the seed to burgeon forth more well .
The downside is that purslane sometimes takes root where it is not want . A large thoughtfulness when planting purslane is that it may quickly seed and germinate parts of the garden where it is not welcome . The key to keeping this stubborn plant under control condition is making sure it does not go to seed . Three weeks after seedling are mark , flowers and seed will start being produced by the works . To help keep purslane under control , make certain to remove these plant life before they seed . Plants that are extirpate but not removed can find out their agency back into the soil , so verify that they are fully get rid of from the surface area .
Uses for Purslane
As antecedently stated , this plant is slowly drop its weed report and becoming known for its deliciousness and health benefits . Purslane has a slender lemony tasting , along with a crunch when serve raw . Purslane fan liken it towatercressorspinach , and many substitute purslane for spinach in recipes . Raw purslane leaves can sum a textural compaction to salad or sandwiches , or they can be steamed or stir - fry if a crunch is not desired . If something is call for to inspissate soups or sweat , reach for the purslane , with its gamey degree of pectin ( know to low-down cholesterin ) which would act as a thickening federal agent .
The difficult part of taking care of purslane is to ensure it does not develop too out of control and take over a garden — or even an integral yard . Purslane will take over a plot or flowerbed in a flash if given the chance . The serious intelligence is that this hearty and stubborn plant is very severe to wipe out . Those who do not want it in their garden may find this fact frustrative , but a good way to keep purslane under mastery is to take it inwardly and serve well it as a part of dinner ( or lunch — purslane is good at any time of the day ) .
Whether you take to purchase seeds or take your specimens from wild purslane , this plant will be a good option for any rookie home gardener — or those who find that their plants are more likely to die than be . Give purslane a endeavor , both in the garden and the kitchen .
Abbie Carrier calibrate from Texas Woman ’s University with a Bachelor ’s of Science in history and a minor in political science , and she is presently work on a Master ’s of Arts in artwork administration from the University of New Orleans . With this degree , she hop to profit a situation in museum curation , and she currently solve as a grant writer for nonprofit organizations . She enjoy spell about the humanistic discipline , history , politics , and topics related to skill , health , life style , and amusement .
Want to learn more about growing purslane?
Chicago Tribune covers Purslane : A Weed Worth EatingGrow A Good Life explores Purslane : Weed or Food?Hobby Farms covers 6 Tips For Growing PurslaneNutrition and You cover Purslane victuals factsUniversity of Illinois Extension explore Purslane
