Overwintering Purslane?

[Diana BraunStudent]

I got some purslane from a friend. I live in Canada. Any ideas how to overwinter purslane or will it seed itself in the Spring again?

[Geneva BivensStudent]

Hi Diana,

You don’t need to do anything for purslane. It’s one of those wonderful gifts that keeps on giving season after season. 🙂

[Carolyn MazarakisStudent]

Hi, I live in New Mexico, and I didn’t even know what purslane was until it was suddenly growing everywhere in our 3/4 acre  natural landscape after an exceptionally wet spring in 2022.   Those seeds must have waited patiently for years to spring to life because I’ve lived here and worked outside for years and never noticed any before!  This year was too dry, and I never found a single one out there, so I instead purchased upright golden purslane seeds and cultivated them in my garden.  An early frost this fall decimated all of them through their roots (fairly shallow), but despite collecting most of their seed pods to plant next year, new little ones were springing up,  determined to make their start in the world even in this chilly weather until the next deep freeze has its way with them.  So at least in my little 7b world they’re not overwintering, but given the right conditions, you might find yourself with a forest of them from seed next spring.  The golden purslane seeds I purchased have a beautiful tall growth habit, so you get quite a bit of food return for each plant if you think of adding more.  I’m looking for recipes other than adding them to soups or munching a stalk like celery.  They’re a deer-magnet, though — you may have competition.  Tulle helps.    What a lovely plant to get to know!

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Angie Mason, Dan Flowers

[Nannette BlairStudent]

Purselane is an annual that is a great self seeder!  Underneath the flower grows a little bowl with a cap (lid) when that pops off the seeds go everywhere and wait till temps are right. IF your plant flowered outside anywhere and that cap popped off you will have many more in the spring.

Just a note tho I have seen many people interchangeably say pureslane or rock moss or other names. I’d double check to be sure it is the herb that is recommended is the one you have. I’m a new herbal student but a long time gardener. I believe the one we want is Portucala oleracea. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong about that.

[Judy MillerStudent]

After moving across country, and seeing vegetation unfamiliar to us, we discovered an app called Picture This to identify plants.  We don’t carry the books with us. Don’t assume it’s always correct, but it can help.  You take a picture you can save in your account, then go to the manuals, botany books, extension office, or to someone who definitely knows wild plants.

[Dan FlowersStudent]

I highly suggest getting the book Newcombs wildflower guide.  You don’t carry the book with you just leave it at home.  Learning their key system lets you identify the plant once you get home.  You basically ask yourself 5 questions about how the plant looks and you will be able to identify easily with the book once you get home.  I have been using it for 30 years and it’s awesome.  Best book ever for plant I.D.  Highly regarded book in the industry.

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Sue S

[RebeccaStudent]

We introduced purslane to our yard last year, I think, or maybe the year before. It did not do well during deep freezes, though covering it with plant fabric helped. What helped more was transplanting some of it into pots and bringing it inside (transplanting really doesn’t hurt them much), and then putting the pots outside whenever it was sunny. It will definitely lose leaves in the winter and (if it’s still alive) grow them back in the spring, though, regardless of whether you bring it inside or not.

I would cover some of it AND bring some inside, just to be sure.

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