Scientific Name: Portulaca oleracea

Common Name: Large Yellow Purslane, Large Leaf Purslane, Yellow Purslane, 

Family: Portulacaceae

Origin:

Wild purslane has an almost worldwide range which includes Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and possibly the Americas too although this is disputed.  Purslane seeds were likely spread by early humans.  This origin of this large-leaved variety of purslane is unknown.

Culinary Uses:

Purslane is a delicious wild salad vegetable with a slightly salty and slightly sour flavour due to the presence of oxalic and malic acids in the leaves.  Purslane leaves accumulate malic acid during the night and convert it back into sugars during the day, because of this purslane leaves will taste most tart when picked early in the morning and become milder in flavour as the day progress.  Purslane is highly nutritious, it's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, iron, magnesium and manganese.  The leaves have a mucilaginous quality which is mild when only a few leaves are eaten but becomes much more noticeable if eaten in large quantities.  Purslane leaves can also be used to thicken soups and stews, or cooked briefly in stir-fries.  This large yellow variety of purslane has bigger leaves than the wild type providing a much more substantial harvest.  

Growing Tips:

Purslane grows best when planted in full sun, but it will also tolerate light shade.  Purslane tolerates hard, compacted soils but will grow best when planted into a free-draining, sandy-loam soil rich in organic matter.  If your garden is lacking in organic matter place down a layer of compost or well-rotted manure prior to planting purslane.   Purslane has a long tap root that is able to accumulate nutrients from deep in the soil so it shouldn't need additional fertiliser.  Purslane is drought and heat tolerant once established.  Purslane is an annual that will die back as the weather cools going into Winter.  It may self-sow and re-sprout the following Spring if growing conditions are ideal.

When to Sow:

In cold and mountainous areas of Australia sow purslane seeds from mid Spring to late Summer, ensuring any chance of frost has past.  In temperate regions of Australia sow purslane seeds from early Spring to late Summer, again ensuring any chance of frost has past.  In frost-free subtropical areas of Australia sow purslane seeds from early Spring to early Autumn.  In tropical regions of Australia sow purslane seeds during the dry season from mid Autumn to late Winter.

How to Sow:

Purslane seeds are tiny so surface sow them and cover with only a very fine layer of growing mix.  Press down gently to ensure good contact between the moist growing mix and the seeds, this will help to prevent them drying out between waterings.  Do not sow too many seeds in one area as the seedlings will quickly bolt and die if overcrowded.  If growing in seedling trays prick out and plant into individual cells as soon as they are large enough to handle following germinating.  Space purslane starts or thin direct-sown seedlings 20cm apart to give them sufficient room to grow.

Germination Time:

Purslane seeds are quick to germinate, with most seedlings emerging within 7 to 12 days of sowing.

Time to Harvest:

Purslane grows rapidly in favourable conditions and you should be able to begin harvesting shoot tips about 4 to 6 weeks after sowing the seeds.  Harvest shoot tips from purslane plants regularly to encourage them to send out additional side shoots.