Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Also known asCommon purslane · Verdolaga · Pourpier · Khurfa · Ma chi xian
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 5–12 (winter low around -29°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.2 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
An extremely easy warm-season hydroponic green. EC 0.8-1.6 mS/cm. pH 5.5-7.5 (very adaptable). Temperature: 16–32°C (warm-season; frost-sensitive but thrives in heat that kills lettuce). Moderate to high light (DLI 14-22 mol/m2/day). Any hydroponic system works. From seed to harvest: 4-6 weeks, with the succulent stems and leaves growing fast in warmth. Harvest by cutting stem tips or pulling whole stems; the plant regrows vigorously. The succulent texture holds up well in salads and gives a satisfying crunch. For a Greek-style salad, combine purslane with tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta, olives and a lemon-olive oil dressing. The omega-3 content is a real nutritional selling point, and for commercial growers purslane is a fast, heat-tolerant specialty green that stays productive in warm systems when lettuce struggles.