Purslane is often call up of as a weed , but this edible succulent is revel the attending of farmers and epicurean alike . Unlikelettuce , spinachand other attendant greens that pronto bolt in pounding heat of summer , purslane flourish . It is also extremely nourishing , high in vitamin A , omega-3 fatty acids , calcium and other minerals . Or perhaps you just want to add another tasty plus to your microgreen production . Purslane can do that , too . This edible succulent is simply too in force to overlook when it comes to plan the summertime garden . And as you may have noticed when it has volunteer in your paths or around your grand , it much grows itself .
Selecting Seed
The two eccentric of purslane seed most common in seed catalog are Gruner Red and Goldberg — though harmonise to Wikipedia , there are over 40 unlike assortment in cultivation ( do with that what you will ) . If looking for heirlooms or alternatives , you may also feel seeded player under the verdolaga , it ’s Spanish name .
Cultivated purslane generally have larger leaves than wild purslane and grow upright , making harvesting easy . If you want to propagate your own variety , seed can be harvested from wild purslane once the flora has senesced , but the output may be more varying , yields lower and staunch shorter . However , what you lack in public toilet you may make up for in tang .
1. Grow Purslane As Microgreens
Microgreenscan be a nutritious treat , as well as an excellent marketplace item — especially for chefs . To grow purslane as microgreens , use a perforated seedling tray . Cover the bottom with organic potting mix to at least 1/2 - inch deep . spatter seeds equally but thickly overtop , and get over with a thin level of soil mixture . property in sunny field at about 75 arcdegree fluorine , and keep moist until develop . Once burgeon forth , a slimly cooler temperature between 60 and 70 degrees F , is optimal . Keep the soil moist , irrigate the sprouts from underneath to nullify splashing the plant . cut off the microgreens when the reach 2 to 4 inches .
2. Keep Soil Dry
Althoughsoil fertilityfor purslane does n’t have to be particularly high , as a succulent , purslane does savour a drier , well - drained soil . It is a quick raiser , so it can often outcompete many other weeds , but a good pre-emptive fire - weeding or dusty seminal fluid screw is always commend before direct seeding it into the ground .
As a member of the same family unit , purslane will partake in diseases with other succulents . It is also somewhat susceptible in my own experience to fungi if the season is too crocked and constitute too obtuse , as it actually prefer a dry mood .
3. Grow Purslane In A Warm Spot
Purslane can not tolerate dusty and prefers sprouting temperatures of 70 degrees degree Fahrenheit or more . Wait to place in theatre until days are farsighted and ordinary temperature are above 70 during the daytime and 50 at nighttime , sooner warmer .
Purlsane can be start in source containers or sown directly into beds . cum should be sown every 3/4 inch in rows 8 inches apart . Thin to roughly two or three per foot in wrangle . If transplant , sow in in flats and transplantation once first true leave appear at around 8 inch aside .
4. Harvest Purslane In The Morning For Tartness
When harvesting purslane , take into consideration the malic acid content of the plant , which is high in the dawning than at night thus make it more lemony . Some will prefer this while others may find oneself they relish purslane harvest in the evening , when the flavor is milder .
5. Cool Immediately After Picking
Purslane is a delicate crop and should becooledimmediately after harvest . quick temperature after harvest will make for out the pasty texture of the crop . Gardeners can either pick off stems unceasingly over several weeks or cut the whole plant . It will regrow if 2 inches or more of the plant is leave on the stem , though it should get no more than three week of harvest home if the flavor begins to decline and the plant show signs of bolt . storage purslane in the crisper draftsman of your icebox , and use within a week .
6. Seek Out Chefs
If take care to grow a lot of purslane , contact chef beforehand . It will sell a bit at market place , but it is a specialness crop and may want some other outlets to move it . Askchefsat what size they would prefer it and how many pounding . And since it is a rarer green , see deal at herb price .
This article about growing purslane was written for Hobby Farms magazine . Click here to pledge .
–Tico–/Flickr
–Tico–/Flickr
