Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Also known asCommon purslane · Verdolaga · Pigweed (regional) · Pourpier · Khurfa
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 1.0-2.0 mS/cm. pH 5.5-7.5 (very adaptable). Temperature: 20–35°C (warm-season; frost-sensitive but thrives in heat that kills lettuce). High light (DLI 16-25 mol/m2/day). Any hydroponic system works. From seed to harvest: 4-6 weeks. The succulent stems and leaves grow rapidly in warm conditions. Harvest by cutting stem tips or pulling whole stems; the plant regrows vigorously. The succulent texture holds up well in salads and provides a satisfying crunch. For Greek-style purslane salad: combine with tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta, olives, and a lemon-olive oil dressing. The omega-3 content provides a genuine nutritional selling point. For commercial hydroponic growers, purslane is a fast, easy, heat-tolerant specialty green with growing consumer awareness driven by nutritional press coverage. Available year-round in warm systems when lettuce production is difficult.