Easy to grow, common purslane, Portulaca oleracea, is a popular leaf crop, bearing masses of fresh-flavoured leaves throughout the growing season. It's the perfect staple for summer salads and soups.
Grow Portulaca oleracea in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Sow seed successionally every fortnight from May to October. Water regularly.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sow
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Collect seeds
yes
yes
Harvest
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Portulaca and wildlife
Portulaca has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
