How to Grow Purslane as an Edible Green

Quick answer

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 6–8 weeks before. First freeze kills plants (WI). Edible crop page — see also /weeds/purslane/ for weed management. NC State Low — oxalates.

Purslane at a glance

PlantStart indoors: 8–6 wk before last frost; Direct sow: last frost
SunWI / NC: full sun.
WaterWI: almost any soil; prefers warm weather; water regularly as a food crop (moisture-stressed leaves are less palatable).
SpacingWisconsin crop: sow in fertile well-drained soil; thin to 4 to 6 inches apart.
Days to harvestWI 6–8 weeks from seed; PVAMU ~25–40 days after planting
-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.

Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.

Edible crop, not the weed page: this guide is for growing Portulaca oleracea as food. For lawn and garden weed management, see purslane as a weed. Not ornamental moss rose (P. grandiflora).

Oxalates: NC State poison severity Low — “Contains oxalates that can be toxic if eaten in high amounts.” Use moderation. (NC State Portulaca oleracea)

Common purslane plant
Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea). Photo: ZooFari, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (resized).

Planting timing

Prairie View A&M: cultivation “Spring (after last frost) through fall.” Plants are killed by chilling temperatures; germination prefers high heat (optimum above 30°C / 86°F). (PVAMU purslane) NC State on Portulaca: “Sow seed directly in the garden after last frost date, or start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before that date. Set out seedlings and purchased plants at last frost date.” (NC State Portulaca) Wisconsin: “Common purslane will be killed by the first freeze in fall.” (Wisconsin purslane)

Depth and spacing

Wisconsin crop: sow in fertile well-drained soil; thin to 4 to 6 inches apart. PVAMU: broadcast or transplant seedlings at about 4 in height; germinate ~10 days; harvest cut to ~2.4 in or whole plant. NC P. oleracea: available space 12 inches–3 feet; full sun; well-drained; drought-tolerant once established.

Sun, soil and water

WI / NC: full sun. WI: almost any soil; prefers warm weather; water regularly as a food crop (moisture-stressed leaves are less palatable). PVAMU: pH 5.5–7.5; sandy or dry well-drained preferred; minimum water once established.

Care

Wisconsin: cut stems back to within two inches of the crown for regrowth, or make successive sowings for tender leaves. Self-seeds heavily; seeds can stay viable for decades — contain the planting if you do not want volunteers.

Harvest

Wisconsin: crop ready 6–8 weeks from seed; whole plant or cut-and-come-again. Stems, leaves, and flower buds are edible; slightly tart; cooked leaves become mucilaginous. PVAMU sheet: harvest about 25–40 days after planting — both windows are labeled by source.

Pests and diseases

WI / PVAMU: few pests; purslane sawfly and a leafminer weevil; aphids (PVAMU). Diseases: Botrytis, root/stem rot (PVAMU). Cultural: rotate; avoid overwatering; hand-remove.

Related: purslane (weed) · ZIP planner · all grow guides

Frequently asked questions

When do I sow purslane?

After last frost. Optional start indoors 6–8 weeks before.

Is it the same as moss rose?

No — moss rose is ornamental P. grandiflora. This page is edible P. oleracea.

Will frost kill it?

Yes — first freeze (Wisconsin).

More grow guides: All grow guides

Sources