Winter Purslane

Winter Purslane: variety and characteristics

Winter Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an annual herb of the Portulacaceae family. Winter purslane has many pairs of heart-shaped leaves, each wrapped around a stem of white flowers.

It tolerates moderate frost and can be grown all winter in mild areas or in cold greenhouses.

The flavour of the young leaves is very fresh. A suitable plant for repeated cutting.

All parts of the plant are edible. It is recommended to use the smaller leaves for salad and larger leaves for cooking.

Unlike many other salad vegetables, winter purslane contains less nitrate and is very rich in vitamin C.

Purslane is a succulent leafy plant, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, for salads and soups. Tolerates heat and drought.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 87%
• Seeds per packet: 289–391 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: February – September; direct
• Flowering: April and May
• Harvest: March – November
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Winter Purslane

Winter Purslane seeds are sown in February – September. The plants flower in April and May. Harvest takes place from March to November. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Winter Purslane

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: on the surface
• Spacing: 20 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

The leaves are high in vitamins and essential oils, and the flavour is reminiscent of spinach. Fresh or stewed, the plants are used as food. The leaves can also be used for green smoothies. Grows best in moist, humus-rich soil in shady places. This ornamental plant can also be grown in shady flower gardens.

Sow in warm soil, just press the seeds in. Undemanding as to soil.

Harvest and use

Cut the young stems and leaves.

Frequently asked questions

When should Winter Purslane be sown?

The recommended months for sowing are February – September. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 289–391 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 87%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.