Purslane

Germination

Sow directly. Surface sow seeds onto prepared soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. If the soil is heavy add plenty of grit. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil to keep it in place. Germination should be rapid. Thin seedlings to 20cm spacing. Can be started early indoors from Mar. where it will require propagation at 20°C. Transplant indoor grown seedlings outside in summer.

Growing

Very easy to grow on any soil type in any situation. Will tolerate dry conditions but watering will improve the quality and succulence of the leaf.

Cultivation

Will self-seed freely, deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season. The acidity in the leaves varies throughout the day. Pick in the morning for a more sour leaf, pick later in the day for a sweeter leaf. The plant will be cut down by frost.