Portulaca: the tricks for growing edible weed in pots to fill up on Omega 3 fatty acids

Portulaca: the tricks for growing edible weed in pots to fill up on Omega 3 fatty acids

Purslane is a perfect plant to grow on the balcony. Let's find out the most suitable types and how to make it grow luxuriantly

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

Purslane is a weed that is often eradicated from orchards and gardens, but few know that it is great to eat! Can it be grown on the balcony? Let's find out the most suitable types and how to make it grow luxuriantly even in pots





La purslane it is a very widespread plant in all areas of the Mediterranean. First of all we specify that the variety of purslane suitable for consumption is purslane sativa. It loves the sun, so it needs to be exposed in a very bright area so that it can grow strong and vigorous. It is also a plant with a creeping habit, so it should be grown in large rectangular pots.

Other varieties of purslane, inedible, can be grown on the balcony or on the terrace to have them in bloom. Attention should be paid to temperatures, as this plant does not tolerate cold while it can survive even the hottest and most sultry temperatures. The ideal temperature, to ensure a luxuriant growth, is around 15 ° -25 °. 

Here are the tips for growing purslane on the balcony.

Index

Variety of purslane

As we said, there are different varieties of purslane, but not all of them are suitable for growing in pots; let's find out together:

  • portulaca grandiflora: whose cultivation is for ornamental purposes because it gives beautiful and colorful flowers
  • portulaca oleracea: this variety is a weed, it is difficult to eliminate because it multiplies quickly and is also extremely resistant
  • purslane sativa: also called golden purslane, is a subspecies of the oleracea, is cultivated only for food purposes and is particularly appreciated for the leaves that are very tasty to eat and very rich in fatty acids Omega 3 (100 grams of leaves contain about 350 mg of α-linolenic acid)

The soil

Purslane growing in pots needs a well-drained soil, for this we advise you to prepare the ideal soil by combining 2/3 of the universal one with 1/3 of compost.



For good drainage, however, we recommend adding a little gravel, or sand, or creating a draining layer at the base of the pot by inserting a little expanded clay. (Read also: Portulaca: how to grow this beneficial plant in your garden, considered by too many to be just a weed)

Fertilization

It is also necessary to provide for constants manuring. The balcony purslane, in fact, must be fertilized both in autumn and in spring with organic fertilizer. This operation must also be carried out during the flowering period, but in this case it is better to opt for a specific fertilizer, better if not too rich in nitrogen; another solution is to use del soluble fertilizer, which we advise you to apply at least every 15-20 days.


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