Purslane
Purslane: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Edible purslane, Portulaca oleracea, is a small plant with fleshy leaves and a slightly tangy flavour. It belongs to the Portulacaceae family and has a low, branching, often spreading habit. Leaves and tender young stems are the usual kitchen parts. Their appeal lies in a juicy texture quite different from thin-leaved lettuce. Purslane is generally associated with leafy vegetables of the warm season and offers a distinctive ingredient for fresh dishes.The thick, smooth stems are green to reddish, depending on the plant and conditions. Small leaves are oval or broader towards the tip, with an unbroken edge. Their surface looks smooth and their thickness shows the plant’s succulent character. Branches spread around the base and can form a clump or a low mat. Some garden selections have more upright growth and larger foliage than spontaneous forms, offering different proportions while sharing the same basic leaf texture.Flowers are small and yellow,…