How to Grow Purslane and Best Products to Buy (2022)

You may turn heads if you mention that you want to grow Purslane as a year-round plant. This tiny succulent blooms beautiful flowers yet is considered a weed by many people. Unsurprisingly in this case, Purslane is very resistant and hard to get rid of! This article is about how to grow purslane.

Whether you are looking for a new plant to grow with beautiful flowers and vivid green leaves, or just want a nutritious plant, Purslane may be the choice for you!

What is Purslane?

Purslane is a succulent plant with dark green leaves that grow on nearly every inch of the stem. The scientific name for Purslane is Portulaca oleracea. While each variation of Purslane looks different, the most common Purslane plant has little green leaves that run up and down on the plant’s stem.

In the middle of the Purslane plant is a tiny yellow or white flower that blooms. While it may not look like other large succulents like the aloe plant, Purslane leaves and stems plump up with water frequently. They are survivors and do well against harsh conditions like droughts, and Purslane plants are also very hard to get rid of!

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The History of Purslane

The history of the Purslane plant is long. This plant has been around for thousands of years. There are various written documents that describe its many uses. For example, one of the first mentions of Purslane in human history was in Egypt and Ancient Rome.

The plant grew with little to no help. Over 2,000 years ago, Romans and Egyptians cultivated, harvested, and ate the leaves and stems of Purslane. The small and yet fast-growing plant grew naturally throughout these regions of the world.

Ancient Rome and Egypt weren’t the only places where humans cultivated and admired this succulent plant though. Another common region is Arabic countries, although some historians do speculate that it did not originate there and was only introduced by European travelers in the 13th century.

Eventually, the plant found itself in the United States. From what we know, Purslane grows wildly throughout the U.S, but especially in Massachusetts. This may be because many immigrants fleeing from European countries found their way to North America to join the colonies. The plant was consumed for its antioxidant properties frequently.

Now, it is rare to see gardeners taking the initiative to grow Purslane. It makes sense as to why! Purslane plants grow rather quickly, and reach tall lengths. Their vibrant stems of red and green stretch gardens across the world, taking nutrients and space from other plants. Although this is generally the case, Purslane does have a lot of benefits itself!

The Benefits of Purslane

The benefits of growing Purslane are endless! Since this plant essentially takes care of itself, you have little to worry about. This plant is great for on the go gardeners that cannot dedicate a lot of time to their gardens but want to see their plants flourish.

Is it safe to eat purslane seeds? The tiny seeds of Purslane plants actually have more nutrients and benefits than the stem and leaves of the plant! Think of a flaxseed to get an idea of the texture and taste.

Relaxation

For those of us that love to grow plants with gorgeous flowers, Purslane is an excellent choice. Purslane requires minimal effort to grow but still produces beautiful green tear-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers that bloom very bright.

It is not only relaxing to watch and cultivate, but it also helps relax your body. You can eat the leaves, stems, and flower petals of Purslane, and it may help in decreasing your cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone in charge of controlling your stress. If you are nervous and anxious, you have too much of this hormone.

The tear-shaped leaves are filled with omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to lowering the cortisol hormone. It is great to use as a temporary relaxer and is safe!

Powerful Vitamins and Minerals

Did you know that Purslane contains a minimum of 6 powerful and essential vitamins? The human body needs many different vitamins to live and function, and a lot of them can be found in these tiny plants. The most common vitamins in Purslane leaves are:

• Vitamin A
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C

Anti-Oxidant Properties

People suffering from acne and other skin health problems may be delighted to hear that Purslane has antioxidant properties that can help with clarifying your pores. For example, Vitamin C is found in Purslane and works to maintain your skin healthy and strong.

Not only does the Vitamin C component of Purslane aid in your skin’s health, but also Glutathione which protects cells over time. By eating raw Purslane leaves, you can consume all of these benefits!

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The Best Supplements Using Purslane

You don’t have to eat Purslane raw though, there are many supplements made that can give you the benefits and nutrients that Purslane provides. Supplements are a wonderful addition to our lives, as they add crucial vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to our lives that our bodies need.

Listed below are the best supplements that use Purslane.

1. Swanson Full Spectrum Purslane – Best Value

[lasso ref=”swanson-full-spectrum-purslane-400-milligrams-60-veg-capsules-2-pack” id=”3941″ link_id=”3210″]

Style: Capsules

Application: Drink Once Capsule a Day With Water

Size: 400 Milligrams- Two Bottles

You should only take one capsule a day with water! The Swanson Full Spectrum Purslane supplement is also completely vegetarian and made with safe and quality practices, which include testing!

Pros

• Very easy to consume!
• Comes in a Sealable Container.
• Fully vegetarian Capsules!

2. Naturevibe Botanicals Portulaca Oleracea (Purslane) Extract Powder – Best Purslane Powder Supplement

[lasso ref=”naturevibe-botanicals-portulaca-oleracea-purslane-extract-powder-3-52oz” id=”3942″ link_id=”3211″]

Style: Powder.

Application: Add to water, beverage, or cooking.

Size: 3.52 oz

This delicious powder is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids that aid in your metabolism and your skin’s health.

Pros

• Easy to Consume and Prepare.
• Comes in a reusable container.
• Easy to Store in a Cool spot.

3. Florida Herbal Pharmacy Purslane Extract Powder – Runner Up Powder Supplement with Purslane Extract

[lasso ref=”florida-herbal-pharmacy-purslane-portulaca-olearacea-extract-powder-101-4-oz” id=”3943″ link_id=”3212″]

Style: Powder Extract

Application: Add to water, beverage, or cooking. Eat during your meals.

Size: 4 oz

The Florida Herbal Pharmacy Purslane Extract Powder is also mild-tasting. The best way to use it in your cooking is to blend it into a smoothie. The stronger flavors of the fruits will overtake the slight bitterness of Purslane. That way, you can get your vitamins, minerals, and nutrients with delicious flavor!

Pros

• Easy Bag to Open and Close
• Powder is Odorless and Blends Well with Food.
• Long-Lasting bag, a little goes a long way!

4. New Icecube’s Triple Extracted Purslane – Best Purslane Liquid Dropper Supplement

[lasso ref=”new-icecubes-triple-extracted-purslane-tincture-2-oz” id=”3944″ link_id=”3213″]

Style: Liquid Extract

Application: Place a few drops under your tongue.

Size: 2 oz

According to the site, you should feel the effects of the Purslane 15 minutes to an hour after consuming the extract directly. It is a safe product and is made with 100% natural ingredients. For the product to work at its best, you should hold your tongue down with the extract for a minimum of 30 seconds.

Pros

• Easy to Apply
• Extract Hits Directly in the BloodStream
• Easy to Store and Travel With

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How to Grow Purslane

Now knowing that Purslane is a succulent that is considered a weed, you can decide if you want to grow it. How to grow Purslane is relatively easy and quick! These plants reach up to 50 inches and height. It is not uncommon to see its tear-shaped green leaves stretched throughout garden beds and front yards.

Before figuring out the rest of the steps however, we should choose a set of seeds to grow Purslane out of. Listed below are a few Purslane seed options.

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Best Purslane Seeds to Grow

Purslane seeds can be tricky because they need a lot of care, however, they grow wild once they germinate and take off! Surprisingly, not all Purslane seeds are the same. They all have very different purposes and rates. Listed below are some of the best Purslane seeds to grow and their awards.

1. Purslane Seeds Green Non-GMO – Best Germination Rate

[lasso ref=”1000-purslane-seeds-green-non-gmo-fresh-garden-seeds” id=”3945″ link_id=”3214″]

Style: Purslane Seeds

Application: In Moist Soil Directly

Size: 1000 seeds

These Non-GMO Purslane seeds need a lot of sunlight! They will not thrive in fully contained situations either. You should only plant these seeds if the soil temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and below 95 degrees. The seeds produce small yellow flowers throughout your Purslane plant.

2. David’s Garden Goldberg Golden Purslane Seeds – Best for Open Pollination

[lasso ref=”davids-garden-seeds-greens-leafy-purslane-goldberg-golden-3886-green-200-non-gmo-open-pollinated-seeds” id=”3946″ link_id=”3215″]

Style: Purslane Seeds

Application: Directly in dirt.

Size: 200 Seeds

The Goldberg Golden Purslane seeds are also GMO free. The best time to plant these seeds is in early spring, so that your plant has time to grow flowers and buds to pollinate. The harvest time is only 60 days, and it can still grow afterwards.

Pros:

• Harvest Date is only 60 days
• Seeds are easy to sow
• Non-GMO option of Purslane seeds.

3. Red Gruner Purslane Seeds by Stonysoil Seed Company – The Highest Quality Purslane Seeds

[lasso ref=”red-gruner-purslane-seeds-by-stonysoil-seed-company-delicious-as-a-vegetable-also-medicinal-and-healthy-with-high-concentration-of-omega-3-fatty-acids” id=”3947″ link_id=”3216″]

Style: Purslane Seeds

Application: In Direct Sunlight

Size: 100 Seeds per Packet

Purslane plants are gorgeous and have a lot of medicinal properties. You can do a lot with the plants produced from the Red Gruner Purslane seeds, including cooking it into food or using it as a garnish.

Pros:

• High Quality Seeds
• Quick Harvest Between 45-60 days.
• Grows great in containers!

4. Moss Rose Purslane Seeds – The Most Beautiful Flowers

[lasso ref=”500-seeds-moss-rose-purslane-portulaca-grandiflora-flower-seeds-for-planting-outdoors” id=”3948″ link_id=”3217″]

Style: Purslane Seeds

Application: In Direct Sunlight

Size: 500 Seeds per Packet

The flowers are easy to grow, and only take about 60-90 days to bloom. I do recommend waiting until early spring to sow the seeds in the ground. While you can try to plant them inside, Purslane plants are best suited for the outdoors as they can get suitable lighting.

Pros:

• Plenty of seeds in one packet.
• Beautiful flowers ranging in colors.
• Perfect for outside growing in containers and in the ground!

5. Outsidepride Winter Purslane Herb Plant Seed – Best Cold Hardy Purslane Seeds

[lasso ref=”outsidepride-winter-purslane-herb-plant-seed-5000-seeds” id=”3949″ link_id=”3218″]

Style: Purslane Seeds

Application: Directly in the sun.

Size: 1,000 Seeds per Packet

Possibly the most unique thing about this Purslane plant are the grogues flowers! Instead of the yellow color in a regular variety, these seeds produce miniature white flowers in the center of the Purslane’s leaves. Interestingly, you can consume the leaves and flowers in a salad.

Pros:

• Perfect for Colorful Salads!
• Filled with Antioxidants and Nutrients.
• Beautiful little white flowers blooming after the last frost.

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How to Grow From Seeds

There are many ways you can choose to grow Purslane! The most common way is to use seeds. You can either dry Purslane flowers to get your own seeds, or simply buy them from the store. Once you have found an exact variety you want, you should plant the tiny Purslane seeds no more than 1/4th of an inch into the soil.

Growing plants from seeds is fun! You get to see the process as your plant grows and begins to thrive. It does take a lot longer though, when compared to planting a Purslane cutting. Seeds do require a lot more care, as when your Purslane is a seedling they are more susceptible to diseases and damage. Try not to handle your Purslane seedlings as they struggle to regrow leaves.

If you are growing Purslane from seeds, you should also water the seedling heavily. While Purslane plants are cold-hardy, they still need to set their roots into the ground. Once your plant is more rooted, you can lighten the watering until there is a massive drought or the soil underneath your plant is too dry.

How to Grow Purslane from Cuttings

Growing Purslane from cuttings is not as common as growing them from seedlings, but the process does speed up the time it takes to harvest the leaves and stems of the plants. The best way to take a cutting is to cut a 6 inch stem from the ‘mother plant’. You should always try to use a knife or scissors for this, to ensure a clean cut with minimal damage to the main plant.

Although it is tempting to simply tank out a longer stem that is growing apart from the mother plant, you may unroot more than you should. Succulents can root with just some dirt, water, and time. Actually, Purslane plants propagate frequently on their own, as the leaves and stems touch the ground. This is why they spread so frequently and are considered a ‘weed’.

After you cut the stem of a Purslane, you should find a spot outside or a container with potting soil that is not too loose or compact. If the soil is too loose, then the roots have trouble establishing. However, if the soil is too compact, the soil does not collect enough water, causing dehydration and death.

The best way to propagate a Purslane plant from a cutting is to plant it directly in soil. Unlike other plants, Purslane cuttings should not be submerged in water. If they cannot breathe the plant will rot instead of grow roots. Instead, place half of the stem in soil and water it gracefully. How long does purslane take to grow? The roots should grow within 2-6 weeks, depending on the lighting and temperature.

Purslane Growing Spaces

There are a lot of different benefits and consequences to growing Purslane in various growing spaces. No one wants Purslane plants to spread and grow everywhere, interfering with the other plants. However, containers can be limiting! Ultimately, the decision is yours on where to grow Purslane. Although this is true, listed below are common growing spaces for Purslane.

Containers

If you don’t want Purslane to spread everywhere, you may need to invest in large containers! The greatest thing about using containers to grow Purslane is that you can contain its growth. Since it rapidly moves and spreads in a garden, containers can be used to limit this spread, which may help the rest of your plants survive.

You do need to consider a lot of things though when looking at containers to grow Purslane in. For example, the variety of Purslane. Some of these succulent plants dangle and grow short, while others grow tall and like weeds. If you want to show off the flowers that dangle, you can use a hanging basket with moss to hold up your plant.

With containers, you can also choose to grow Purslane inside. Although it is more common to see Purslane outside in raised beds or containers, it is possible to grow this delicious and nutritious herb inside. As long as you have a place where your Purslane plant gets hit with direct sunlight, then they are likely to survive inside!

Raised Beds

Growing Purslane plants in a raised bed is a tricky situation! Although raised beds are not directly underneath the top layer of soil, the roots can still grow and expand further. Since Purslane grows and spreads quickly, you should only really use a raised bed if you want the plant throughout your yard.

Raised beds are unique because you can use just about any material to build one. While this is true, it is more common to see raised beds made with wood than most others. The raised beds allow for more protection. For instance, if you notice that something is eating your plants you have the option to add webbing and protection.

It is also a lot easier to work with in raised beds! It is important to know that Purslane plants require a lot of work and energy. You need to constantly cut back and harvest Purslane leaves, or they will grow completely out of control! Raised beds provide a bit of relief on your back, so you don’t have to bend down too low to garden on the ground.

In-ground

This is our least favorite method of growing Purslane plants. Since these plants spread like wildfire, In-ground planting can lead to your Purslane plants competing for land and nutrients with other plants. While there are a lot of amazing benefits to growing Purslane, I am sure you want your other plants to survive!

You can plant the cutting or seeds directly into the ground as long as you have soil that is fertile. Surprisingly though, not all soil is made the same! Also, over time, the plants that are growing and using the soil for nutrients will end up depleting the soil of those nutrients. It takes time and amending the soil to bring back nutrients and microorganisms.

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Watering

One of the best parts of growing Purslane at home is that you only ever have to water them lightly! These plants are hardy and can survive droughts, since they store water in their leaves. This is why the leaves of a Purslane plant are so plump.

How often should you water Purslane? The tricky part about watering is that Purslane plants still need at least some moisture! However, how do you know when your plant has enough water? Purslane succulents die when they get too much water. They are heat-loving plants and succulents that store water, instead of using it.

It is just as dangerous though to keep your plant’s soil dry for too long. If there is no water, then your Purslane leaves may become brittle and fall off. You can tell that your Purslane is struggling with watering because the leaves will start to turn brown and lose their ‘squishy’ feeling as the plant uses its stored water supply.

The best way to water your Purslane plant is by using a watering can with plenty of holes. While it is tempting to buy a cheap one with a long end that pours water out quickly, you may overwater your plant accidentally that way, as it is hard to control how much water comes out. However, the ‘sprinkle’ watering can is easy to maneuver and use.

Fertilizing

Truthfully, Purslane plants rarely need fertilizer. These plants are easy to care for and only require sunlight, water, and adequate soil. They are so carefree that you may even see them grow through the cracks in your road.

If you do want to use fertilizer on your Purslane plants, I recommend using an organic liquid one if you are going to consume the leaves or stems. The best fertilizer for Purslane plants are 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizers. It can be in the form of a spray or liquid!

Harvesting

Now that you know how to care for your plant, you can focus on harvesting its delicious leaves, flowers, and stems. This is one of the only plants that you can use and eat all parts of the plant. I do recommend, however, at least rinsing off the leaves before doing so.

You can harvest the leaves as they grow. There is no exact time that the plant is ready. Since Purslane plants are annual, they don’t stop growing unless you live in a cold climate that receives frost. Does Purslane come back every year? Yes, Purslane comes back every year, as long as it does not have to withstand a cold freeze.

Once you have harvested your Purslane plant, you can then store it using many different methods. For instance, you can store your Purslane plant in the freezer or by combining it with other ingredients to create a meal. For example, some people blend Purslane leaves and the stem into Pesto pasta sauce.

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5 Tips on Growing Purslane in Abundance

1. Forget about the extra steps! Purslane succulent plants thrive when you aren’t worrying about them.
2. When propagating a Purslane plant from a mother plant, you should always take more than 2 cuttings to increase the chances that one will propagate.
3. If you decide to grow Purslane seedlings inside your home, before you bring it outside you need to give it time and space. For instance, bring it outside for 30 minutes each day for a week, before you increase the time. Seedlings are fragile, and the inside air is very different from the outside air.
4. Only trim back Purslane plants if they get in the way of other plants. Although these weed-like plants spread, they rarely get in the way of other plants. Their root systems are not thick, and if you disturb them they can grow back!
5. If you do want to use fertilizer and you have bananas at home, boil water with the banana peel. The liquid that is left has proteins and minerals that you can spray onto your plant once the banana water is cool.

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Conclusion

Purslane is a fun plant to grow packed with vitamins and nutrients! While some people see Purslane plants as a weed that grows everywhere, others plant it purposefully for their beautiful flowers and tear shaped leaves. Growing Purslane is relatively easy and there are so many reasons to do so! If you have any doubts, you shouldn’t have them any longer! This compact plant can be grown anywhere, including indoors and in containers.

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