Growing and Managing Purslane

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), also known as moss rose, is a hardy annual succulent that grows well in most conditions. In some gardens, the plant is considered a weed because of its seed-producing nature and ability to regrow from cut roots and stems. However, purslane is often grown in gardens intentionally for its leaves to be used in salads, and ornamental varieties are easily found as well. With the right techniques and a little care and attention, you can enjoy home-grown purslane without harming your garden.

Purslane grows best in well-drained soil with a lot of sandy and loamy organic matter. This plant's seeds have a high germination rate, but do not germinate until later in the spring than other plants. Purslane germinates and begins to grow when the soil temperature reaches about 15°C. It produces small colorful flowers that begin to grow a few weeks after the plant germinates. The seeds mature and are ready to be spread about three weeks after the first flowers begin to bloom.

Planting and Protecting

Adding taller plants to provide partial shade around purslane will help it grow taller with less foliage, but purslane will die back and will not thrive in strong shade. Partial shading of purslane works well where horizontal space is limited and helps to accentuate the flowers. Purslane that you want to harvest grows best in direct sunlight, with dense, low spreading leaves. Purslane is frost sensitive so should be covered to protect it from early and late frosts from fall through spring.

Ongoing Care

Purslane grows best with regular watering, but this succulent can tolerate drought conditions because it stores moisture in its fleshy stems and leaves. Water only when the soil is partially dry, to avoid leaving the roots wet. You can quickly check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the joint. Water your plants when the soil feels dry within the top 3 inches. Use enough water to keep the soil moist but avoid saturating the soil to reduce harmful fungal growth.

Purslane grows well without fertilizer, but weekly fertilization with a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer promotes healthy growth and flower formation. A solution of 2 tablespoons 20-20-20 per gallon of water, or according to label directions if they differ from this recommendation, provides enough fertilizer for a 4-square-foot garden bed. Prices vary by brand, so be sure to read the package instructions.

Purslane Pests

Purslane is a hardy plant that is rarely affected by diseases or pests, other than the purslane sawfly and purslane leaf beetle. Purslane sawfly larvae resemble caterpillars and can be picked off the plant by hand. Large infestations of these pests can destroy purslane. Adult sawflies emerge from the ground in late spring and lay several eggs over the summer. Purslane leafminers look like larvae and burrow into purslane leaves, visible beneath the leaf surface. The best way to control these pests is to check your plants regularly and remove any pests or infested leaves you find.

Purslane was originally used in gardens as an ornamental or edible plant, but if not controlled, it can become infested and outcompete other plants. Purslane seed pods contain many tiny seeds that are dispersed within 14 to 16 days after the petals open. These seeds are dispersed by wind, water, and animals and can remain viable in the soil for years. To prevent purslane from spreading uncontrollably, remove the flowers as soon as they start to go to seed.