Although purslane has been used as a vegetable for centuries, it is rarely found on plates today. In some gardens, the wild plant is making a comeback. It deserves more attention because it is extremely productive due to its short growing season.
Purslane should be harvested before flowering
This is how vegetable purslane grows
The annual purslane develops succulent parts of the plant and has almost been forgotten as a wild vegetable. The prostrate to creeping plant branches out in a bushy manner and reaches a height of between ten and forty centimetres. In Germany, the species rarely occurs in the wild. It occurs as a pioneer plant in cracks in the pavement or in fields and along roadsides.
Expectations
Loose sandy and loamy soils that provide a lot of nutrients are preferred. Drought during the summer months is not a problem. Purslane requires above-average warm and dry summer periods to thrive. The plants store water and therefore tolerate periods of low precipitation. Topping up the bed with compost will encourage vigorous growth. The leaves develop vigorously and taste more delicate. Additional fertilizer is not necessary during the growth phase.
From seed to harvest
Due to the short vegetation period, the vegetables are in season all year round. The main cultivation takes place outdoors from March to October. Between November and February, grow the little plants in a planter in a lighted mini greenhouse (€7.95). If you cultivate the vegetable plant in your garden, you can start harvesting after just four to six weeks, because summer purslane has a high growth and reproduction rate.
How to store the harvest:
- wash papers
- dripping wet into a freezer bag
- seal with air and store in the refrigerator
How to harvest properly
Cut off the longest parts of the plant and then use the fleshy leaves for your dishes. During the summer months, the plants sprout continuously. During the flowering period, the parts of the plant become increasingly bitter. Leave the shoots for seeds to develop. When these fall on the substrate, they germinate and deliver the next harvest within a short time.
tips
Water the plant deeply a week before harvest. This allows the leaves to soak up the water one last time, making them taste crunchier.
Winter purslane in portrait
Common purslane, also known as summer purslane and scientifically named Portulaca oleracea, is distinct from winter purslane. Behind this plant is the species Claytonia perfoliata, which belongs to a different genus. Its leaves have a nutty note and are reminiscent of lamb's lettuce. The hardy wild species is sown all year round from September to February because it needs temperatures below twelve degrees to germinate. The harvest season begins in spring.
conditions
Postelein thrives in partially shaded conditions on well-drained substrates. The lettuce plant does not require nutrient-rich soil and does not need additional fertilization. Regular watering of the young plants during dry periods is important.