La purslane is one of new gourmet plants, a delight rediscovered by French chefs that today refers to audacity and exclusivity.
Although it is a simple creeping plant, the eyes have settled on this leafy vegetable that you can include in your garden crops so today we delve into its benefits to learn more about this plant that is widely used to make salads.
Origin of purslane
La purslane is a succulent plant with fleshy leaves whose scientific name is Portulaca oleracea L. and belongs to the Portulacáceas family. It is native to India and the Middle East and although in some places it is a plant considered exclusive in others it is treated as a simple weed.
For this reason, the plant grows almost anywhere, it even spreads in rocky and poor places. Once harvested, the plant continues to grow and develop new leaves as the plant reproduces itself.
Sowing and care
Some experts recommend placing the seeds of the plant in the refrigerator for two weeks and then moving them to a warm place since then germination will be favored.
Beyond this, purslane can grow both in the ground and in pots although always using soil enriched with organic compost. The sowing time is after the spring frosts and you just have to spread the seeds and press with the hand to cover them with the earth. Then the area is watered avoiding excesses.
For being one edible creeping plant, purslane can grow in poor soils and sandy although the ideal is that they have good drainage. It is a plant that prefers filtered light so place it in a semi-shady place.
Germination occurs about two weeks after sowing and then it is time to transplant the sprout, when it is about 5 cm long.
Irrigation, pruning and diseases
During the summer it is best to water frequently due to the intense heat, but watering should be low during the rest of the year. On the other hand, it is a simple plant that does not need pruning some since it grows by own Motus. You can cut it when it gets too long. Another good news is that es very resistant to pests and diseases so it is not affected by almost any enemy.
Purslane harvest occurs 60 days after sowing and as long as it is a young plant, otherwise the leaves will not be rich. It is enough to cut the leaves 1,25 or 2 cm from the ground and then wash them and consume them fresh.