Purslane - although this ornamental plant looks good, it is not very common. It can be cultivated both outdoors and as a houseplant. But what about their frost tolerance? Will she come back next year if she spends the winter outside?

Purslanes are not hardy

Not hardy - annual

The purslane, which originally comes from mild climates, is not hardy in this country and is therefore mostly cultivated as an annual. The plant does not tolerate frost. It dies as soon as the first frost hits it in October. It is also endangered by late frost in spring. Therefore: Do not plant out until mid-May!

In frost-free regions there is a chance of survival

The plant can only survive the winter in mild regions. But you will hardly find such regions in Germany. There must be no frost at all. If it does, the plant must be immediately covered with brushwood in the root area. The probability of survival: Low.

The seeds can survive the winter

While the roots lose out in the slightest frost, the seeds of the purslane can survive. The prerequisite is that you do not cut off the flowers in summer so that the infructescence can form with the seeds. The plant often self-seeds in the spring. Alternatively, it can simply be sown directly.

Put in when growing in buckets

It is not uncommon for purslane flowers not to be planted outdoors at all, but rather kept in a bucket, for example on the balcony or terrace. Then you have a better chance of getting the plant happily through the winter.

This is how the hibernation of the edible but unpalatable potted plant works:

  • bring into the house from October
  • put in a bright place
  • Temperatures should be between 15 and 18 °C (e.g. unheated bedroom, stairwell)
  • if the temperature is too warm, the risk of pest infestation increases
  • pour little
  • do not fertilize

tips

Since the purslane is sensitive to moisture, you should protect it particularly well in winter. It is better to keep the substrate drier than too moist!

Category:

Vegetable garden