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Purslane Planting Guide

Purslane is a succulent edible plant rich in omega-3 fatty acids, often considered a weed but increasingly valued as a nutritious green. It has a lemony, peppery flavor.

Portulaca oleracea ยท Vegetable ยท Portulacaceae family ยท 40โ€“60 days to maturity

Where Can You Grow Purslane?

Purslane Growing Regions

Click any state to see the Purslane planting schedule for that location.

Planting Dates by Zone

Zone Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest
Zone 2a Apr 18 May 23 May 30 Jul 11 โ€“ Aug 15
Zone 2b Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jul 3 โ€“ Aug 7
Zone 3a Apr 3 May 8 May 15 Jun 26 โ€“ Jul 31
Zone 3b Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jun 21 โ€“ Jul 26
Zone 4a Mar 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jun 17 โ€“ Jul 22
Zone 4b Mar 20 Apr 24 May 1 Jun 12 โ€“ Jul 17
Zone 5a Mar 21 Apr 11 Apr 25 Jun 6 โ€“ Jul 11
Zone 5b Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 30 โ€“ Jul 4
Zone 6a Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 22 โ€“ Jun 26
Zone 6b Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 15 โ€“ Jun 19
Zone 7a Feb 18 Mar 11 Mar 25 May 6 โ€“ Jun 10
Zone 7b Feb 11 Mar 4 Mar 18 Apr 29 โ€“ Jun 3
Zone 8a Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 19 โ€“ May 24
Zone 8b Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 8 โ€“ May 13
Zone 9a Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 28
Zone 9b Dec 28 Jan 4 Jan 25 Mar 8 โ€“ Apr 12
Zone 10a Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 19
Zone 10b Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 19
Zone 11a Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 19
Zone 11b Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 19

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7.5

Hardiness Zones

Zone 2a โ€“ 11b

Growing Tips

Direct sow after last frost or allow to self-seed. Purslane thrives in hot, dry conditions. Harvest stem tips regularly. Contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green.

Saving Purslane Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

๐ŸŒฑ
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

๐Ÿงช
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

๐Ÿท๏ธ
Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

Level Up Your Garden

Purslane by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Purslane?

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) takes 40 to 60 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.

What zones can Purslane grow in?

Purslane can be grown in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.

How much sun does Purslane need?

Growing Purslane requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Low โ€” drought tolerant, and soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.