Purslane

Portulaca oleracea

vegetable

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Purslane is a succulent vegetable with fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves and reddish stems that are eaten raw or cooked and offer a slightly tart, lemony flavor. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, it thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soils where few other crops succeed. The plant is vigorous and prolific, often self-seeding readily once established.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Purslane is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Root Rotchevron_right

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Overwateringchevron_right

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Mushy Stemschevron_right

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Slow Growthchevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Full sun (6–8 hours daily); heat and light intensify flavor and growth.

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Water

Minimal water needed once established; water sparingly (every 7–10 days) as it is a succulent; overwatering risks root rot.

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Soil

Poor to moderate fertility soil acceptable; well-draining sandy or loamy soil with pH 6.0–7.0.

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Fertiliser

Minimal fertilizer required; light compost incorporation at planting suffices; avoid nitrogen-heavy feeds.

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Temperature

Heat-loving; prefers 70–95°F; sensitive to frost; sow after soil warms to 60°F.

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Humidity

Low to moderate humidity (20–40%); prefers dry air; susceptible to rot in humid conditions.

Toxicity

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Entirely edible and nutritious; no toxic compounds.

Common Diseases

filter_dramaRoot Rotchevron_right scienceBotrytis Grey Mouldchevron_right

Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Purslane keep coming back every year?

It's vigorous and prolific, often self-seeding readily once established — a single planting can reappear season after season, which is welcome in a dedicated bed but worth monitoring elsewhere in the garden.

How little water does Purslane actually need?

Very little — as a succulent, it needs minimal water once established, roughly every 7–10 days, and overwatering risks root rot since it's adapted to hot, dry, poor soils where few other crops succeed.