Plant Details

Portulaca oleracea

Green Purslane, Little hogweed

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Portulaca oleracea.

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General Information

Scientific name: Portulaca oleracea
Also known as: Green Purslane, Little hogweed

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous
Size: Small
Height: 0.30 m
Width: 0.30 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: None

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-12
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Seed
Edibility:
(4)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
None

Description

Leaves and stems can be eaten both raw and cooked. The young leaves are tasty in salads and have a slimy texture that serves well as an alternative to okra, which is often used as a thickening agent in soups. Older leaves are used as a leafy vegetable and have a slightly sour, spicy, and salty taste. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be dried for later consumption. The seeds, whether raw or cooked, can be ground into powder and mixed with grains for use in porridge, bread, pancakes, and so on. The seeds are small and can be tricky to work with.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/06
End of Harvest: 30/09