Growing Guide: Purslane
Growing Tips
Plant Purslane in full sun and provide well-draining soil. This fast-growing succulent thrives in hot, dry conditions and tolerates poor soils, making it exceptionally low maintenance once established. Water moderately while plants are getting established, then allow the soil to dry between waterings. Its sprawling growth habit makes it useful as an edible groundcover or container plant. Purslane can reseed readily, so harvest regularly or remove seed-producing plants if you want to control where it spreads.
| Scientific Name | Portulaca oleracea |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Purslane, Verdolaga, Duckweed, Little Hogweed |
| Family | Portulacaceae (Purslane Family) |
| Origin | Cosmopolitan; likely native to Asia or the Mediterranean |
| Plant Type | Succulent Edible Herb |
| Life Cycle | Annual (reseeds freely) |
| Food Forest Layer | Groundcover / Herb Layer |
| Mature Size | 4–8 in tall, spreading to 12–18 in wide |
| Light | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low; drought-tolerant |
| Harvest Season | Spring through Fall |
| Time to Harvest | 30–40 days from planting |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Very Fast |
| Zones | USDA Zones 3–11 (grown as annual or self-seeding) |
| Florida Native | Naturalized; widely established |
| Propagation | Seeds, Cuttings |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Warm-season annual; sensitive to frost |
