Purslane

Portulaca oleracea

Also called pigweed

EasyGrows in potsAnnual

Purslane is a fast-growing, low-spreading annual succulent that grows from seed in full sun. Its stems, leaves and flowers are edible, but it can spread as a weed.

Quick facts

Germination time: Not yet verified
Germination temperature: Not yet verified
Sowing depth: 6 mm¼ in
Spacing between plants: 10–15 cm4–6 in
Days to maturity: 42–56 days from sowing
Sun: Full sun

Toxic to cats and dogs Read the safety notes

Compare with another seed How to grow it

By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated Oct 19, 2026

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01 · Overview

About purslane

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an annual succulent with smooth, reddish, mostly flat stems and thick, oval leaves. It is a fast-growing herbaceous annual that forms a low mat. Its stems, leaves and flowers are edible and taste slightly sour and salty.

Growing details

Start indoors: Not yet verified
Sow outdoors: At the last frost
Water: Not yet verified
Containers: Yes
Height: 41 cm16 in
Spread: 91 cm3 ft
Frost tolerance: Not yet verified
Soil pH: Not yet verified
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing timeline

When to sow purslane seeds

Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.

Sow outdoorsAt the last frost

Days to maturity42–56 days from sowing

02 · How to grow

How to grow purslane from seed

Sow purslane outdoors after the last spring frost, because it is sensitive to hard frost. Purslane is easily grown from seed in fertile, well-drained soil. Sow the seed about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep. Thin the plants to 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart. Plant it in full sun. It can also be started from stem cuttings.

03 · Care

Caring for purslane

Purslane grows in full sun in almost any soil, including heavy clay. It can tolerate drought, but it prefers regular water, and moisture-stressed leaves are less tasty when it is grown as a food crop. It is drought-tolerant once established.

At a glance

How purslane compares with other vegetables

Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Vegetables on SeedBattle.

Purslane
Each of the other vegetables
Their average

See all vegetables

Days to maturityMatures sooner than average
42–56 days from sowing
Average for vegetables: 65 days, from 17 other seeds
Sowing depthShallower than average
6 mm¼ in
Average for vegetables: 1 cm½ in, from 58 other seeds
Spacing between plantsCloser than average
10–15 cm4–6 in
Average for vegetables: 35 cm14 in, from 43 other seeds
HeightShorter than average
41 cm16 in
Average for vegetables: 94 cm3 ft, from 57 other seeds

04 · Problems

Common purslane problems

Aphids, gnats, snails and slugs can be pests, and wet areas can lead to stem or root rot. A purslane sawfly and a leafminer weevil can damage or kill plants in some parts of the country. Prevent disease with crop rotation and sanitation. Purslane has a taproot and roots at its stem joints, so pulled pieces can root again and it can spread as a weed.

05 · Harvest

Harvesting purslane

Purslane is ready for harvest in about 6 to 8 weeks from sowing. You can pick as needed, cutting stems back to within 2 inches (5 cm) of the base, and new stems and leaves regrow for several weeks. Leaves picked early in the day have the tartest flavor.

06 · Safety

Purslane safety

Purslane is toxic to cats and dogs because of soluble calcium oxalates. Purslane contains high amounts of oxalates, so people who are prone to kidney stones should not eat it in large amounts.