Intro
Purslane is a weed. It's literally considered just that, weeds. No one wants to eat it but trust me, you should. I told some people, as they looked at me with disdain in their eyes and disgust on their faces. Purslane has got more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green plant! And it tastes delicious! I said excitedly as I started pulling out my phone to show them some pictures of purslane plants. I'm telling you now; this stuff is good for your heart and brain!
I'm starting my second season with Purslane and I must say that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Growing purslane on your windowsill or indoors in containers is a fantastic way to have fresh, tasty greens all year long!
Purslane is a plant that has been around for centuries, but not many people know about it. Purslane has a wide variety of benefits and can be grown in containers or outside. In this article, we will go through how to grow purslane indoors.
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How to Grow Purslane Indoors
With the right conditions, Purslane can be grown indoors. It is best to start purslane seeds inside in late winter so they have a chance to grow large enough before planting outside for the summer growing season. If you'll be planting in your garden.
Purslane has few pests and disease problems but needs care when it comes to watering while germinating or starting. If you grow purslane indoors, be sure to keep it in a pot that drains properly.
Water Purslane plants regularly while they are germinating or starting but then water less often as they mature so that their roots have time to get established deep into the soil where there is more moisture.
Be sure the window you place it in will allow for at least six hours of sunlight per day and fertilize Purslane plants weekly with a water-soluble organic fertilizer.
Soil Type
Purslane grows best in soil with good drainage. The Purslane plant can survive in both clay and sandy soils, but it will be much more productive if planted in the latter. Purslane is relatively cold-hardy so you could also grow it in container gardens all year long or as an annual herb garden outdoors if your climate is warm enough.
I prefer to make a soil mix myself, but you may also choose a good potting soil. I like Happy Frog Potting Soil. It's essential to make sure you use a potting mix if you buy soil. Buying potting soil will get expensive. Well-draining soil is vital for growing in pots. Purslane needs well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter.
A good soil mixture is one part compost, one part coco coir, and one part perlite. I add six tablespoons of greensand, six tablespoons of bone meal, six tablespoons of blood meal, and three tablespoons of azomite to the mix. This is what I use for a three-gallon container.
Water Requirements
Purslane prefers soil that is moist but not wet, and it does best in well-drained soil. Purslane plants do not need a lot of water to grow successfully; however, they will require more watering during the hottest part of summer when temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you provide enough water to keep the soil moist, but not wet.
Water Purslane plants at least once a week or every other week in order to make sure that they are healthy and able to grow quickly. They do best when watered daily during hot weather without becoming waterlogged. If you live in an area that rainfall is scarce, consider watering your purslane plants twice a week to make sure their soil is moist and healthy.
The Purslane plant does not care for overwatering; instead, it favors moderate watering which helps the roots get nutrients from the surrounding soil.
Sunlight Requirements
Purslane plants are not picky about the amount of sunlight they get, as long as they can be exposed to bright light. Purslane likes strong sun and grow well outdoors in the full-day sun or even with some shade during most hours of the day.
It is also possible to grow purslane indoors by placing them near a sunny window. If you live in a very cold climate, then it is best to grow purslane indoors because they will do better when there are four seasons and the temperature is more moderate.
Purslane plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for good growth.
How to Grow Purslane From Seed
Purslane is a great edible plant to grow from seed indoors. Purslane seeds are small, and they should be sown in individual cells or pots filled with potting mix that has been moistened. These tiny plants can take up to two weeks before emerging above the soil surface, so it's important not to overwater them during this time.
Purslane seeds should be started in a window with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure proper germination. Once the seedlings reach about two inches tall, they can be thinned and transplanted into larger pots or containers that have been filled with a well-draining potting mix.
Purslane Growing Tips
* Purslane does not need much water, so be sure to keep the soil moist but never soggy.
* Purslane prefers full sun and is generally planted as a summer crop in hot climates. If you live in an area with colder summers like the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast United States, plant your purslane seedlings indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date.
* Purslane seedlings can be started indoors from plant cuttings or indoor grown seeds, or directly in containers. Once they are planted outdoors, purslane does not mind being moved to a larger pot as it will continue to produce new roots and grow quickly even if left without soil for up to three days.
* Purslane is not fussy about what soil it grows in and can thrive both indoors or outdoors with a rich, moist potting mix.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Purslane
Purslane, also known as Portulaca oleracea contains a high amount of Omega-fatty acids and anti-oxidant properties. Purslane is rich in vitamin A which contributes to the maintenance of healthy vision.
Purslane has been used traditionally for its astringent qualities and can be applied topically or consumed internally to prevent infection. Purslane is an excellent source of vitamin C which contributes to healthy gums and teeth, as well as helping the body absorb iron.
Purslane contains carotene (also known as Vitamin A) and helps maintain vision health by providing necessary nutrients for proper eye function.
Purslane is an excellent source of iron which contributes to the production of red blood cells in order for them their supply oxygen throughout your body. Purslane also has a high concentration of Omega-fatty acids that help with brain function, eye health, and also the health of your skin.
Purslane contains a high amount of silica which helps prevent hair loss by strengthening hair follicles and preventing premature graying.
How to Eat Purslane
Purslane is a great plant to grow for your salad. Purslane tastes similar to spinach and watercress, but it has more crunch. It also contains all the necessary vitamins as well as the minerals that your body needs in order to live healthy too!
How to Grow Purslane From a Cutting
This herbaceous perennial can easily grow indoors from cuttings to fill your garden with a little bit of fresh, peppery goodness.
Find the stem that has large leaves attached to it (usually at least two or three) and cut diagonally just before the leaf nodes. This will give you a cutting about six inches long. Cut off any extra stems if they are present on your plant. Place in a glass of water and keep in a sunny spot until roots form. Once you see new growth, plant the cutting into pots or directly outside in your garden.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed reading and learning how to grow this delicious, nutrient-rich purslane and that it inspires you to start growing more of your own food. If not, I've got some other great posts about gardening in our blog archives for you! Comment below with any questions or feedback. I'd love to hear from you!
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