For a long time, purslane, also known as winter spinach, was fought bitterly as a very stubborn and unruly weed. In recent years, however, the healthy winter vegetable has been gaining popularity due to its high content of vitamins and minerals. However, only the winter purslane is actually hardy, while the summer purslane needs a lot of sun and warmth.
Hardy purslane is undemanding
Winter purslane, also known as winter spinach, Cuban spinach or Siberian purslane, is very undemanding and gets along well with little sun. In addition, the plant survives even frosty winters with temperatures down to - 20 °C. The white or light pink flowering plants are about 10 to 15 centimeters high and tend to grow in a creeping manner. For this reason, they are excellent as ground cover, especially in shady places (e.g. for greening under trees).
Growing Winter Purslane
Winter spinach can be sown directly outdoors from the end of September. In mild winters, sowing in December or January is still possible, as is spring sowing in March. The plants prefer a loose and humus-rich soil that can be sandy. In contrast to the summer purslane, the winter purslane is a flowering plant, the seeds of which should be about 10 millimeters deep in the ground. The optimal distance between the individual plants is about 10 x 15 centimetres, although you should separate the young plants quickly. Winter spinach is also one of the cold germs that only germinate with a corresponding cold stimulus in the form of temperatures below 12 °C. Cultivation in a greenhouse, balcony box or other planter is also possible.
tips and tricks
Cover the soil around the plants with a thick layer of bark mulch to keep it warm and moist - not only does this not give weeds a chance, it also helps the plants survive even very cold winters.
IJA