Garden purslane. Useful properties, contraindications, photos, medicinal recipes for use

Floral purslane (large-flowered or terry) is specially bred for growing in flower beds. This is an annual creeping plant, the bushes of which are only 10-15 centimeters high with branched stems and juicy fleshy leaves. To grow a purslane in your personal plot, it is recommended that you first plant it on seedlings in early spring, and plant it in the garden with the approach of summer. Read on to learn how to do it correctly and avoid offensive mistakes.

Historical use of purslane

In Europe, Iran and India, the medicinal properties of purslane have been known for at least 2,000 years, but most likely it was also used as a vegetable and was grown long before that.

Purslane has been known since ancient Egypt. It is mentioned in Greek manuscripts dating from 600 BC. In ancient Rome, it was used as a remedy for eye inflammation, dermatitis, inflammation, headache, abdominal pain, dysentery, and intestinal worms.

During the Roman Empire, purslane was highly regarded as a magical and medicinal plant. Pliny the Elder (23 - 79 AD) recommended that people wear purslane amulets to keep evil and disease at bay.

Pedanius Dioscorides (1st century AD) recommended the use of purslane as a remedy for toothache and headache, inflammation, and some indigestion.

He stated that plant juice can be used at high temperatures and as a cooling agent on very hot days. He also recommended the herb as a natural remedy for urinary tract problems and all kinds of internal bleeding.

In folk and traditional medicine, purslane has been used as a cure for many ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections. It was also known as a haemostatic agent and was considered very beneficial for the eyes and sore gums.

Today, purslane is used extremely rarely for medicinal purposes, although it has spread almost all over the world. It grows in Persia, Africa, India. It was brought to Europe in the 8th century by the Arabs. Purslane was transported from Europe to Central and South America.

Popular types and varieties of purslane

Two types of purslane can be distinguished, of which the first (decorative) one will be discussed in our article:

large-flowered (terry);
garden.

It's funny, but in our garden plots we often struggle with such a weed as garden purslane, which spreads on the ground, has medium-sized oblong thick leaves and blooms with small yellow inflorescences. But interestingly, its garden variety itself is not quite a weed, it is edible and, moreover, it is also quite useful, it contains a lot of carbohydrates and vitamins. It is even used as a medicinal plant and is used in the treatment of various diseases. Many interesting dishes are prepared with garden purslane, especially in the Caucasus.

For more information about the garden purslane, see the following video:

What is a purslane?

Purslane is a green, leafy vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. It is a succulent annual creeping plant, approximately 40 cm tall.It needs relatively little water and soil nutrients, thrives in sunny climates and can grow in all types of soils.

Purslane can often be found in cracked sidewalks and roadways, even during the summer heat. It grows in containers, in flower beds, in gardens, in fields, wastelands and roads.

The plant has a taproot with fibrous secondary roots. It can tolerate poor compacted soils and drought. Stems are fleshy and watery, smooth, reddish green to purplish red. They branch out and often form round mats 30 to 60 cm in diameter and larger.

Purslane is sometimes compared to an invasive weed, as it is a wild succulent plant, yet completely edible and very tasty. This plant contains about 93% water.

A distinctive feature is a red stem and small green leaves that look extremely adorable. The leaves are oblong, wedge-shaped and dark green in color.

They have a slightly sour or salty flavor similar to spinach and watercress. They are added to soups and fries for a spicy touch. The succulent leaves are added to salads to add texture to the dish.

Purslane flowers are small, yellow, solitary, or grow in clusters. They are located above the last leaves on the branches and are up to 6 mm wide. Bloom in June and July.

Later, the flowers give rise to a small green, ovoid or pear-shaped seed capsule, consisting of nearly oval seeds with wrinkles and black with a whitish scar at one end.

When and how to transplant purslane seedlings into open ground

The seedlings are moved to the flower garden when the threat of frost has passed and the weather is established with a night temperature of at least +10 degrees. In the middle zone, suitable weather occurs in mid-late May. In regions with cold climates, purslane is planted in the garden in June.

If the flower has already been planted, but a cold snap is expected, small bushes are covered with cut plastic bottles or arcs are installed and the covering material is pulled.

Well-lit areas are chosen for purslane. Only in the bright sun will bloom be abundant and bright. Ideally, the flower bed will be protected from the cold wind by buildings or plants.

The soil on the bed must be breathable, neutral or alkaline. For loosening, sand, fine gravel, granite chips are introduced into it.

Attention! Humus or compost is not added to the ground. An excess of fertilizer leads to active growth of greenery, but flowering will be poor.

Before planting purslane in the garden, the seedlings must be hardened - to accustom them to fresh air. To do this, 10-12 days before planting in the ground, the plants are taken out into the street "for a walk". At first, the duration of sunbathing is an hour and a half, gradually the time spent on the street is increased.

Planting purslane in open ground

Purslane is planted at a distance of 10-20 cm from each other, compact varieties are placed closer to each other.
Transferring the plant from the seedling container to the hole is carried out without breaking the earthen lump. The bush is not buried, it is planted as it grew in a pot.
After planting, the purslane is watered abundantly.

The procedure for planting seedlings in open ground is best done in the evening or in cloudy weather. To facilitate the adaptation of plants to a new place, water them with Heteroauxin or spray the foliage with Epin.

Purslane in cooking

Purslane tastes great and is extremely healthy. Its leaves are made up of a range of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins and minerals that are essential for our health.

For culinary purposes, the leaves and stems of the plant are often used.The young crispy leaves, stems and flower buds of purslane have a fresh and slightly salty taste. Thanks to this, they can be used fresh in salads, as well as boiled or steamed like other vegetables.

As an additive, the leaves go well with cucumber and tomato salad or soup.

When using purslane in cooking, the leaves must be finely chopped and added at the end of cooking in order to preserve the delicate taste and all the vitamin content.

In addition, the leaves can be used as a thickener in soups and stews. Young chopped leaves are good in marinades and mayonnaise with meat and fish dishes. Older, tougher leaves are added to soups and casseroles for spiciness.

In the Middle East, chopped purslane is mixed with yogurt and garlic and served as a side dish with grilled meat. It is also a standard ingredient in Lebanese fatush salad.

Purslane can also be used to decorate sandwiches and other dishes.

In Australia, purslane seeds are added to muffins. In Albania, purslane is simmered, seasoned with olive oil, and mixed with other ingredients as a filling for puff pastry. In the south of Portugal, it is a famous soup ingredient.

Purslane leaves and stems go well with feta cheese, tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano and olive oil. Herbal drinks are also often made from purslane seeds.

When and how to collect seeds

Purslane seeds have time to fully ripen in the short summer of the middle lane, and they can be used for further sowing. The seeds ripen in the seed capsule, which is called the "little" because of the resemblance to the vessel of the same name.

A signal of seed ripeness is the color of the seed bolls in brown or brown color. They are collected from the plant and dried at home. The seeds are removed by breaking the capsules and sprinkling the seeds onto paper. Store the purslane planting material in a dark, dry place, in a glass jar or paper bag.

Nutritional value of purslane

Besides the slightly sour and salty taste, purslane is also a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. 100 g of raw purslane contains 65.0 mg of calcium, 2.0 mg of iron, 68.0 mg of magnesium, 44.0 mg of phosphorus, 494 mg of potassium, 45 mg of sodium, 0.2 mg of zinc, 0.1 mg of copper, 0.3 mg manganese, 0.9 mcg selenium.

Compared to other leafy vegetables, purslane contains relatively high amounts of vitamin A, which is beneficial for improving and maintaining vision. 100 g contains 1320 IU of vitamin A. In addition, there is vitamin C 21.0 mg, riboflavin 0.1 mg, niacin 0.5 mg, vitamin B6 0.1 mg, folate 12 μg, choline 12.8 mg.

Purslane is a low-calorie plant that contains only 16 calories per 100 g. It is great for those trying to limit their calorie intake. It also contains the dietary fiber needed to keep the body full. It gives you a feeling of fullness after eating, which limits your food intake and promotes weight loss.

Purslane almost entirely consists of water: there are 93 g of water per 100 g. The total protein is about 1.3 g, among which the following amino acids can be distinguished: tryptophan 14.0 mg, threonine 44.0 mg, isoleucine 47.2 mg, leucine 80.0 mg, lysine 57.0 mg, methionine 12, 0 mg, cystine 9.0 mg, phenylalanine 51.0 mg, tyrosine 21.0 mg, valine 63.0 mg, arginine 50.0 mg, histidine 20.0 mg, alanine 50.0 mg, aspartic acid 68.0 mg, glutamic acid 191 mg, glycine 40.0 mg, proline 61.0 mg and serine 39.0 mg (Source).

Purslane is high in omega-3 fatty acids that prevent high cholesterol and blood pressure, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease.

Further care of the purslane

A flower can rightfully be called an unpretentious plant.All he needs is light and warmth. Purslane tolerates drought well, but it needs moisture for lush flowering.

Watering

Purslane is enough to moisten the soil once a week. In the presence of precipitation, watering is postponed until the top layer of the earth dries up. Watered at the root, without getting water on the flowers.

Water is used only warm, preferably soft (rainwater, from a river, pond).

Weeding, loosening

While the purslane bushes are small, the flower garden is regularly weeded, the soil is loosened after watering. Later, the plants grow and the bushes close together. The need for earthworks disappears.

If rainy weather is established, it is necessary to loosen the soil around the bushes more often, drying it. It is useful to arrange grooves around the flower garden to drain excess moisture.

Top dressing for abundant flowering

Purslane is not fed with anything, since an excess of nutrients leads to the growth of greenery, to the detriment of flowering. For the formation of large bright buds, purslane needs sun and warmth.

Purslane in folk medicine

Purslane leaves are applied directly to the skin to treat insect or snake bites, boils, ulcers, pain from bee stings. It is useful for diarrhea, bacterial dysentery, PPH, hemorrhoids, and intestinal bleeding.
The use of purslane is contraindicated during pregnancy and in patients with poor digestion.
Purslane is an effective remedy for lichen planus.
The juice of the plant with honey, when consumed fresh, is useful for painful urination, as well as for relieving dry coughs, shortness of breath and excessive thirst.
Outwardly, purslane juice is used on inflammations and wounds.
Purslane leaves, placed under the tongue, quench thirst.
Rose oil juice is recommended for inflammation in the mouth and swollen gums.
Previously, seeds brewed in wine were given to children as an anthelmintic. Purslane has also been used in other decoctions to remove parasites from the intestinal tract.
Purslane leaf juice for conjunctivitis is applied one drop at a time.
Purslane spices, mashed with a spoonful of olive oil, are very effective for bruises, sore muscles and muscle cramps.
When applied to the lower abdomen, a poultice made from mashed leaves reduces bloating.
Infusions made from purslane leaves soothe stomach cramps.
In case of hypertension and related anxiety or insomnia, purslane infusion helps to relax.
The leaves are chewed for sore throat and gums.
Purslane is also useful for women who experience metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding outside the normal menstrual cycle).
It is recommended for hypertension, anemia, asthma and diabetes.
It is also known that purslane leaves increase blood clotting.
It is an excellent diuretic, but when taken orally in high doses, it becomes a laxative.

Instructions for preparing products based on garden purslane

Purslane, the useful properties of which are widely used in alternative medicine, is not recognized by official science. Medicines are not produced with it.

Infusions

The funds are used in the form of a compress or lotions for psoriasis, skin ulceration and lichen. Oral administration is intended for the treatment of poisoning, healing of the affected mucous membrane in case of peptic ulcer and dyspeptic disorders.

Purslane infusion is used to treat psoriasis

Cooking method:

1 tbsp. l. plants are poured with an almost full glass of boiling water;
stand for 1.5 hours;
carefully filtered.

Therapy is carried out 2 tbsp. l. up to 5 p / d or the agent is used as a medicine for topical application.

Decoctions

Recommended for use:

to remove excess fluid and bile from the body;
cleansing the liver;
therapy of sexual impotence;
prevention of hormonal disorders in women.

Suitable for treating wounds with purulent contents and other skin lesions. To prepare the broth, take 1 tbsp. boiling water, 1 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials, the mixture is poisoned on fire and boiled for 10 minutes. Defend in a sealed container for 2 hours, filter and consume 2 tbsp. l. 5 rubles / day or used for local treatment.

Tincture

It is used to combat dysentery, typhoid fever, skin disinfection. 200 ml of alcohol is poured into 10 g of dry raw materials, sent to a warm room for 1 week. After filtration, take 30 drops. three times a day.

Chemical constituents of purslane

As we said, purslane is considered a rich plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Alpha-linolenic acid content varies with cultivar, location and other environmental factors, with a higher percentage in leaves than in seeds and stems.

Bright yellow purslane flowers are of interest in the food industry due to the content of the nitrogen-containing pigment betalain.

Purslane also contains carbohydrates, lipids, glycosides, alkaloids, sterols, coumarins, triterpenes, and flavonoids. The phenolic compounds of the plant include scopoletin, bergapten, isopimpinellin, lonchocarpic acid, robustin, genistein, etc.

To some extent, purslane contains vegetable acids such as citric, malic, ascorbic, succinic, fumaric and acetic acids. The volatile oil of P. oleracea is mainly composed of linalool and 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecene-1-ol (Read here).

Composition of raw materials

Purslane is called a weed rashly, since this plant has a very rich and active chemical composition, which allows you to maintain health in general and treat many pathological conditions. The plant has a high nutritional value as it is rich in sugars and proteins. The positive quality of raw materials is the content of these substances in an easily digestible form. Unusual biologically active compounds contained in purslane are as follows.

Portuloside. A glycosidic compound that increases the tone of the vascular walls. This gives purslane the ability to increase blood pressure.
Carotenoids. Represented by lutein and beta-carotene. These substances belong to provitamins A, which have antioxidant properties and regulate the secretory function of stomach cells. Due to this, the plant increases the acidity of gastric juice, improves digestion.
Phenolcarbolic acids. Represented by gallic, cinnamic, ferulic and sinapic acids. They have antibacterial, antiviral, immunostimulating properties. Stimulates the formation of bile and urine.
Coumarins. They have an antithrombotic effect, improve the rheological properties of blood. They have antitumor activity and antimicrobial properties.
Fatty acid. The largest share in the active form of linolenic acid is necessary for the body to convert lipid compounds and lower blood cholesterol levels.
Organic acids. Most of all contains oxalic acid. It has antimicrobial activity, a participant in metabolic processes.
Flavonoids. Natural vasoprotectors and stimulants of peripheral circulation. They have the ability to regulate cardiac activity.
Steroid substances. Necessary for the normal course of regeneration processes in all tissues of the body.
Alkaloids. They have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and stimulate the immune system.
Saponins. They normalize the peristalsis of the intestinal musculature, as well as the ureters.
Mucus. They have an enveloping, regenerating, expectorant effect, which is accompanied by an anti-inflammatory effect.
Nutrients. B vitamins - regulate metabolism, normalize the work of nerve endings.Vitamin K - eliminates internal bleeding. Nicotinic acid is a stimulant for the restoration of damaged tissues and a regulator of metabolic processes. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that eliminates internal inflammatory processes and increases the body's resistance against viruses and bacteria.
Minerals Purslane is rich in potassium, calcium, sodium, manganese, copper, fluorine and phosphorus, as well as chromium, nickel and molybdenum, which are involved in the synthesis of enzymes and regulate electrolyte metabolism.

The amino acids in purslane are used by the body as a building material to repair damage and build muscle. In addition, amino acids are the main working part of enzymes produced by cells to regulate physiological functions in the human body.

How is purslane useful for health?

Purslane has been used by humans for thousands of years. Today, it is known as a leafy vegetable in salads, soups, and other dishes. This is a great way to add extra flavor to a dish without significantly increasing the calorie content or even the fat content.

And while many people simply use purslane because of its slightly pungent taste, it is actually very healthy. Below we list the main benefits of eating purslane.

1) Protects the cardiovascular system

Purslane's high levels of omega-3 fatty acids help lower bad cholesterol levels in the body and prevent the risk of heart attack.

The iron and copper minerals in purslane help produce red blood cells.

Both of these minerals are needed to speed up blood circulation, thereby increasing the rate of cell healing and oxygenating important organs in the body.

2) Maintains normal blood sugar levels

To assess the effect of purslane on sugar levels, Portusana has been developed. It is a herbal extract made from the highest quality purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and its active compounds are controlled during the manufacturing phase to meet the requirements of dietary supplements.

In one study, 63 patients received either 180 mg / day of the drug or placebo for 12 weeks. Before and after, the levels of Hb1Ac, a marker of blood glucose control, which depend on the blood glucose concentration and reflect the average glucose level over the previous two to three months, were measured.

After 12 weeks of treatment, the findings show that purslane extract is indeed effective in controlling blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, as evidenced by a decrease in HbA1c levels.

3) Purslane improves digestion

Purslane is one of the best leafy vegetables widely used to treat diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, hemorrhoids, and dysentery.

Although most Western medicine does not confirm these results, purslane is still used to treat a wide range of intestinal ailments. Its benefits are mainly due to the presence of many beneficial organic compounds such as malic acid, citric acid, etc.

The vitamin A in purslane helps protect the health of the mucous membranes. Perhaps due to this, purslane is used in Chinese medicine for intestinal diseases.

4) Enhances vision

Purslane contains important vitamin A that protects eye health. It prevents some eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. In doing so, it eliminates free radicals that attack the cells of the eye and cause age-related diseases.

5) Cancer prevention

Cancer has become one of the most common and tragic diseases in the world, which is why there is now a special interest in many anti-carcinogenic foods.

Purslane is one of the best anti-carcinogenic foods that contains significant amounts of vitamin C and A.They act as antioxidants to prevent certain types of cancer, especially lung and oral cancers.

In addition, purslane also contains betalaine pigment compounds that give the plant its characteristic yellow and red color. They show an anti-mutagenic effect in the body, namely, they prevent healthy cells from mutating from free radicals.

6) Prevents headaches, including migraines

Vitamin B2, present in purslane, is a proven treatment option for painful migraines. Doctors usually recommend high-dose 400 mg riboflavin as a preventative treatment for headaches for those who often experience severe migraine attacks.

It is known that supplementing the diet with food rich in vitamin B2 also reduces the frequency of migraine headaches, as well as reduces symptoms and pain during migraines, shortening their duration.

7) Strengthens bones

Purslane contains minerals that help prevent bone loss. Iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese are essential for the development of bone tissue and accelerate the bone healing process in our body.

They prevent the development of osteoporosis, a common age-related disease that affects millions of people.

Influences the development of the child

Some studies have shown that omega-3 acids are beneficial for young children by reducing the manifestation of certain developmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. Omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on the development of the brain in children.

Considering that purslane also contains these acids, it is worth including it in your regular diet.

9) Accelerates wound healing

Purslane contains iron, which plays an important role in speeding up the wound healing process. It helps form red blood cells, the most important constituent of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout the body.

Without proper oxygen transfer, wound healing may not take place at all. Purslane contains 2 mg of iron per 100 g wet weight, which is approximately 11% of the RDA.

10) Strengthens immunity

Perhaps it's no secret to anyone that vitamin C protects the body from infections, maintains the condition of bones, teeth, etc. In addition, it also improves the ability of our body to repair wounds, protects us from bacteria and viruses.

Vitamin C is involved in the production of collagen, the main structural protein in connective tissue. When taken orally, vitamin C accelerates wound healing; when applied topically, it protects the skin from free radicals and harmful UV rays.

100 g of raw purslane contains 21 mg of vitamin C, which is 35% of its recommended daily intake.

11) Purslane helps you lose weight

Purslane is very low in calories while also rich in nutrients and fiber. People feel fuller after consuming purslane, but do not overload the body with excess calories, which is suitable for people who are on a diet and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Many nutritionists recommend including purslane in your diet to control your appetite and lose weight faster.

12) Helps with skin diseases

Purslane is one of the best herbal alternatives for treating a wide range of skin conditions. High levels of vitamin A, as well as other essential substances present in this plant, help reduce inflammation from bee and snake bites when applied topically.

In addition, mashed purslane pastes improve the appearance of the skin, reduce wrinkles and stimulate the healing of skin cells. With regular use, they can even lighten small age spots.

Healing properties

Garden purslane, the beneficial properties of which help to cope with a large number of diseases, is recommended for women, men and children.Under the influence of a medicinal herb, you can cope with gynecological problems, impotence and childhood hyperactivity.

For women

The female gender prefers to use the plant:

as a cosmetic to maintain skin elasticity;

Purslane is used to eliminate hair loss in women

against hair loss;
for the treatment of leucorrhoea - non-standard vaginal secretion.

In the latter case, therapy is carried out with an infusion of 45 g of fresh plant greens, which is infused for 2 hours in 200 ml of cold water. After that, the plant should be squeezed, 2 beaten egg whites from chicken eggs should be added to the liquid, and heated. The resulting medicine is consumed 2-3 times during the day, the course is 7-10 days.

For men

The male sex is recommended to take drugs based on purslane to solve the problems of impotence... The infusion consists of 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials, poured in 200 ml of boiling water and aged for at least 1 hour. After filtration, the composition is consumed in 2 tbsp. l. from 3 to 4 r / d.

For kids

An increased amount of vitamin F helps prevent the formation of certain pathological conditions in minors. Children with developmental neurological-behavioral disorders may receive purslane medication with the approval of the local pediatrician.

Children with developmental neurological-behavioral disorders must be approved by a pediatrician for purslane.

Babies are more likely to have allergic reactions to unfamiliar foods. Before starting treatment, a spontaneous allergy test must be performed. A small amount of the product is placed on the inner surface of the elbow and waited for at least 25 minutes. If there is no redness, itching or blisters on the skin, the product can be used.

Precautions for eating purslane

Purslane contains oxalic acid, a natural substance that can crystallize as oxalates in the urinary tract in some people.

100 g of fresh leaves contains approximately 1.31 g of oxalic acid. This is even more than spinach (0.97 g / 100 g) and cassava (1.26 g / 100 g).

Oxalic acid can build up in the body, combining with calcium to form harmful salts. Most often, they are deposited in the kidneys in the form of stones.

At the same time, heat treatment does not save you from oxalic acid, but on the contrary increases the concentration of oxalates in purslane.

People with a tendency to salt deposits should avoid even eating fresh purslane.

There is also information that purslane promotes menstruation, so it is also contraindicated for pregnant women, because it can cause a miscarriage.

The dosage of purslane used for medicinal purposes depends a lot on the condition you are treating. Some herbalists recommend no more than 9-15 g of dried herb and 30-60 g of fresh purslane per day.

Contraindications for use

However, garden purslane can bring not only benefits, but also harm to health. Vegetable purslane has the following contraindications:

slow pulse with reduced pressure;
pregnancy and breastfeeding;
elderly age;
heart rhythm disturbances;
increased nervous irritability;
hypertension.

At high pressure, you should be careful, because even a purslane salad can provoke a hypertensive crisis. It must be remembered that official medicine does not use herb.

Did you like the article? Like it ♥, subscribe to our channel and you will be one of the first to know about new publications!

And if you have something to share - leave your comments! Your feedback is very important to us!

Purslane in cosmetology

In cosmetology, purslane extract has been used for a long time. It is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and prevent DNA damage.

Free radicals are a major cause of aging by destroying the skin's natural protective barrier. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, B6 in purslane extract neutralize free radicals and prevent wrinkles.

When skin cells are damaged by ultraviolet rays, the enzyme tyrosinase oxidizes tyrosine (an essential amino acid produced by the body that helps organs regulate and secrete hormones). As a result, hyperpigmentation appears.

Purslane extract inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, thereby preventing the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine and the synthesis of the pigment melanin. It protects the skin from photocarcinogenesis - the formation of cancer cells from exposure to light.

Purslane is also used to treat psoriasis, a skin condition in which skin cells turn over ten times faster than normal. Cells die as soon as they reach the surface of the skin, causing red plaques covered with white scales to rise. Psoriasis affects approximately 2–4% of the world's population and there is no cure for it yet.

Research shows that the combination of purslane extract and calcipotriol (a synthetic form of vitamin D) reduces transepidermal water loss, eliminates keratinocyte differentiation and disruption of the skin barrier in psoriasis. This makes purslane quite suitable for use as an adjunct therapy for patients with psoriasis.

Purslane can be described as a completely safe ingredient, it has no common toxicity, does not cause irritation and is suitable even for sensitive skin.

Harm and contraindications

The main ban on the use of a medicinal plant is individual allergic reactions to its component composition. The appearance of allergic rashes and painful sensations when using the herb indicates its intolerance and requires immediate discontinuation of therapy.

Other contraindications are presented:

arterial hypertension;
heart rhythm disorders;
vegetative dystonia.

During the period of gestation, purslane garden as a remedy is strictly prohibited.

Its active ingredients cause an increase in the tone of the uterus, which can provoke a spontaneous abortion or premature birth. The herb is contraindicated in patients with disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system and exhaustion.

Indications for the use of purslane extract in cosmetology

1) Antiallergic agent

Portulaca oleracea extract is rich in catecholamines such as L-methyl-epinephrine and dopamine. These substances have antiallergic effect. Thanks to them, purslane extract reduces skin capillaries and, consequently, facial redness.

In addition, purslane oil extract significantly improves skin condition in case of allergies caused by prolonged use of hormonal cosmetics.

One study involved 200 women with allergic skin symptoms. In the morning and in the evening, for 7 days after cleansing the skin, they applied an antiallergic cream containing purslane extract.

Almost all patients showed a significant reduction in itching within 15 minutes after applying the cream. Redness and swelling of the skin decreased after 1 - 3 days, and skin peeling almost completely disappeared by the 7th day of therapy.

2) Anti-inflammatory agent

Purslane is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These unsaturated fatty acids are an important anti-inflammatory component for human skin.

They reduce inflammation in the skin and suppress itching caused by dryness. Purslane extract has a good therapeutic effect in the treatment of purulent skin diseases such as acne.

3) Anti-aging remedy

The long history of the use of purslane in traditional Chinese medicine dermatology has been largely forgotten.However, recent research has shown that purslane has tremendous anti-aging potential.

Currently, its active ingredients are extracted for the production of natural cosmetics. Purslane extract is known to soothe sensitive skin and has antioxidant properties.

Now on the cosmetics market there are two forms of purslane extract: liquid and powder. The content of active substances in a powder product is much higher than in a liquid one.

4) Whitening effect

Purslane extract brightens skin tone and reduces skin damage caused by UV light, thereby delaying skin aging.

When cells are damaged by ultraviolet light, tyrosinase oxidizes tyrosine, causing pigmentation. Portulaca oleracea extract inhibits tyrosinase activity and prevents melanin synthesis. This protects the skin from sunlight with an added whitening effect.

Purslane was compared with such well-known bleaching agents as ascorbic acid, arbutin and kojic acid.

As a result, it became known that tyrosinase inhibition increases with its concentration, and its effectiveness is better than that of kojic acid and arbutin, but slightly weaker than that of ascorbic acid.

Composition of garden purslane

The main characteristics of the plant are presented in the table:

Item name	Properties
Retinol acetate	Improves the condition of hair, skin, nail plates, prevents the development of cancer, prevents early aging.
Lutein	Maintains visual acuity, neutralizes the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Ascorbic acid	Improves blood circulation, stabilizes the immune system, slows down the natural aging process.
A nicotinic acid	Prevents the development of atherosclerosis, stabilizes hormonal balance and the state of lipid metabolism.
Vitamin K	Accelerates cell regeneration, has a hemostatic effect, with internal bleeding, has an auxiliary effect, enhancing the effect of the main drugs.
Potassium	It is necessary for the heart muscle and the elasticity of the vascular walls, muscle fibers and the nervous system.
Iron	It is an element of natural immunomodulators, takes part in the activity of the thyroid gland and hematopoiesis.
Linolenic acid	Stabilizes metabolism, protects against viral and bacterial microorganisms, improves hair condition.
Norepinephrine	Responsible for increasing blood pressure, increasing muscle strength.
Liquiritin	Reduces fragility of small blood vessels, has an antimicrobial spectrum of action.

The rest of the components are in the plant in small volumes. They are represented by zinc, selenium, calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins and tocopherol. Weed seeds contain omega 6 and omega 9 (polyunsaturated fatty acids).

The use of purslane extract in cosmetics

For the production of cosmetics, the aerial part of wild or ordinary purslane is most often used.

Its name according to the international INCI nomenclature: PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT

Appearance: brownish-yellow powder, soluble in water. Its concentration in cosmetics is from 0.1 to 2%. Produced cosmetic products with this extract: toner, cream, lotion, gel, shower gel, etc.

Indications for use: anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, skin whitening action.

Characteristic

On the territory of Central Asia and the Caucasus, purslane is cultivated as a popular vegetable plant. It is unpretentious to conditions - it grows wherever a warm climate is established for at least one season. On the territory of the Russian Federation, the plant is widespread in the European part. It is often found on roadsides, as well as on the banks of water bodies. A characteristic feature - garden purslane grows on chernozem soil, in which there is no fertilizer.This allows the plant to be used without the risk of being poisoned by pesticides and other additives.

Botanical signs

Purslane garden refers to herbaceous annuals that annually begin their growing season from seeds. The plant spreads well with shoots and roots, therefore, in order to bring out the garden purslane, it will take hard and very painstaking work - you need to pull it out along with the root, and then take it out of the garden, making sure that small branches and leaves do not crumble. After entering the soil, the seeds retain their ascending ability for three years. This means that at the place where the plant grows, it will be necessary to actively combat it for more than one season. Purslane looks like this.

Roots. The core root system has a main succulent root, from which a few lateral ones extend. Purslane root is fragile. Often, the above-ground part breaks off at the point of exit from the root, and the underground part remains in the soil, giving new risings. The root penetrates into the soil to a depth of 20 cm, which further complicates the process of removing the plant from the site. The branches are characterized by rapid rooting - literally in a day, accidentally torn off stems turn out to be tightly fixed in the ground.
Stems. They have a brownish color with a raspberry tinge. Often recumbent, the stem ends are ascending. The shoots are characterized by active branching, due to which one individual of the purslane is able to grow over a decent area. The stems have a dense structure, are well supplied with juice from the underground part, which ensures constant coolness of the "purslane carpet". However, they are also quite fragile.
Leaves. Placed at the base of the shoots in a spiral, opposite to the end. Since the garden purslane belongs to succulent plants - its leaves are thick and fleshy, they accumulate a large amount of juice. The shape of the leaf plate is rounded, ovoid or clawed, attachment to the stems is sessile, the edge is solid. The surface of the leaves is smooth, often shiny, veins and pores can be seen on it.
Flowers. The plant blooms actively from late June to late August. The flowers are very small, collected in small inflorescences in the leaf axils or branches of the stems. In this case, there may also be single ones. The flowers are very small in size and have a pale yellow color, so they are not easy to find.
Fetus. Purslane bears fruit in small boxes, not reaching 1 cm in size. The box opens like a gate, therefore it is called a "little bit". Its shape is spherical. Many very small seeds are concentrated inside. Smooth and shiny, they are almost black in color.

Purslane is characterized by a special photophilousness. Even with a slight shading of one plant, it does not bloom. And in well-lit and warmed areas, purslane grows densely, forming a dense, pleasant to the touch carpet, through which the soil is visible only in some places. The development of the plant is positively affected by sandy impurities in the soil, which provide high-quality drainage of its surface.

Purslane in recipes

While most people don't know that purslane is a highly nutritious herb, recipes have begun to appear.

Perhaps this plant is starting to gain its popularity, and people will eventually realize its potential health benefits. If you want to try it, then we present you with several recipes with purslane.

Parsley and purslane salad

3 tbsp. tablespoons of olive oil;
1 tbsp. a spoonful of fresh lemon juice;
1 tbsp. a spoonful of finely chopped onions;
cherry tomatoes (you can choose from tomatoes), if they are large, cut them in half or in quarters;
6 cups of purslane leaves and stems (that's about 400 g)
4 cups of parsley leaves (or two large bunches).

Chop tomatoes, purslane and parsley as you like (fine).Add butter, lemon juice, chopped onion, ¼ tsp. salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well.

Light purslane soup

1 large bundle of purslane;
a teacup of lentils;
1 onion;
2 cloves of garlic;
2 tomatoes;
Butter or olive oil;
Salt and pepper.

Rinse the purslane with plenty of water and chop finely. Chop the onion and garlic and fry in oil. Then peel the tomatoes, add them and cook some more.

Add purslane, washed lentils, salt, pepper and a little water to this paste. The water should completely cover the paste and be 2 fingers above its level. During cooking, you can add more boiled water until the soup is the desired consistency. The main thing is that it is not too watery.

Pilaf with purslane

1 large bundle of purslane;
half a cup of rice;
1 onion;
1 tbsp. a spoonful of tomato paste;
2 tbsp. spoons of oil;
1 glass of water;
salt;
unsweetened yogurt (can be replaced with sour cream to taste);
2 cloves of garlic.

Separately pour the rice with water and cook over low heat. You can add more water, as long as the rice is not too watery.

At this time, chop the onion, fill it with oil and fry until golden brown. Then add tomato paste and carefully washed, chopped purslane to it.

After washing, it is advisable to dry the purslane on a towel so that there is no excess water.

When the rice is ready, add the fried pasta with purslane to it, and then the unsweetened yogurt. You can replace it with a couple of tablespoons of sour cream.

Pasta with purslane for sandwiches

1 bunch of purslane;
2 onions;
1 tomato;
2 tbsp. tablespoons of olive oil;
1 tbsp. a spoonful of tomato paste and salt.

Fry the onion in olive oil, cut it into smaller pieces. When the onions are fried, add the tomato paste and then the finely chopped tomato.

At the end, add the chopped purslane. You can add garlic, pepper and other spices to this paste according to your taste. When it cools down, spread it on sandwiches.

How to grow purslane from seeds at home

Growing purslane from seeds is no more difficult than any other annual. The flower grower needs to acquire soil, seedling containers, seeds and lamps for illumination if the seedlings are prepared before April.

Soil selection

Loose, light and low-fertile soil, with a significant admixture of sand, is suitable for the culture. In the flower shop you can buy ready-made substrate for succulents or seedling soil "Universal". Purslane can be sown into the ground for cacti at once, and the "universal" soil is diluted with vermiculite or coarse sand, adding it in an amount of 25-30% of the total mass of the soil.

You can independently prepare the soil for the plant from a mixture of peat, sand (vermiculite) and sod soil. All components are taken in equal parts. Humus and fertilizers are not added to the soil. It will be useful to add pieces of charcoal to the finished soil in a fraction of 20% of the total volume of the substrate.

Attention! Purslane is susceptible to fungal infections. To protect the plant from infection, the seedling soil must be disinfected: watered with a solution of potassium permanganate or Fitosporin.

Seed preparation

Purslane seeds are very small, they are comparable in size to petunia or poppy seeds. When stored properly (cool and dry), they remain viable for up to 3 years. When buying seeds from the store, you need to pay attention to the expiration date of the seeds, and take the freshest.

To increase the germination percentage, some gardeners soak the seeds in the Epin or Zircon growth promoter. In order not to lose the tiny seeds, they are immersed in the solution of the drug, sprinkled between two cotton pads, and tied with a thread.

Instead of ready-made preparations, you can use a natural stimulant - aloe juice. A few drops of juice squeezed out of a leaf that has lain for about 10 days in the refrigerator are dissolved in a glass of warm water.

Sowing methods

Purslane is sown in wide and shallow bowls (5-6 cm high). You can sow immediately in separate cups, choosing wide and not high, or in peat pots. It is convenient to sow a flower in seedling cassettes, where plants develop in individual cells.

The container in which the seedlings will be located must have drainage holes. Stagnant moisture in the soil has a detrimental effect on the succulent root system. In order to arrange additional drainage, it is useful to pour some fine gravel or expanded clay on the bottom of the container.

Landing step by step.

Seedling containers filled with soil moisturize well.
Seeds are scattered on the wet surface of the soil, trying not to sprinkle them too thickly.

Important! Due to their small size, the seeds cannot be covered with soil!

Cover the seed pots with a piece of glass or plastic wrap. The boxes are removed in warmth (temperature, not less than +25 degrees). For the seedlings of purslane to be friendly, sunlight must fall on the seeds. Until sprouts appear, it is necessary to open the containers every day and air the plantings. If necessary, the topsoil is moistened with a spray bottle.

Some experienced flower growers practice sowing small seeds in the snow. A layer of snow, 1 cm thick, is laid on the surface of the soil and seeds are scattered on it.

This technique solves two problems at once: on a white background, the density of seed distribution is clearly visible and melt water has a beneficial effect on the germination activity. There is no need to be afraid that the seeds will freeze, the snow layer in the warmth will melt in a couple of hours, and will not harm the plant.

We sow terry purslane. Sowing large-flowered purslane for seedlings - video

Seedling care

The first sprouts of purslane may appear on the surface as early as three days after sowing, the rest will catch up within a week. As soon as the sprouts have appeared on the surface, the film or glass is removed, providing the seedlings with maximum light.

Seedlings of purslane are kept on the lightest windowsill - south or southeast. It is useful to supplement the illumination of plants with fluorescent lamps or special phyto lamps, extending the daylight hours to 10-12 hours. Lack of lighting leads to stretching of the bushes and loss of decorative effect.

Comfortable temperature in the room where purslane grows +18 +20 degrees.

Watering the seedlings is carried out with a syringe or syringe, moistening the soil moderately. When the purslane grows up, it is convenient to water the seedlings through the pallet. Plants planted in peat pots are an exception. They can only be watered from above, otherwise the bottom and walls of the pot will get wet and tear.

Important! You can't pour purslane! The next moistening is carried out when the topsoil dries up.

For irrigation, use only soft, settled water, at room temperature. You can use melt or rain moisture.

Purslane does not require feeding. As a preventive measure for the development of the black leg disease, the seedlings are watered a couple of times with Fitosporin M.

If the seedlings were sown densely and began to stretch, they must be planted. The procedure is carried out in the phase of appearance of 2-3 true leaves. Transplant small plants carefully with a toothpick, being careful not to damage the roots. After picking, it is useful to water the purslane with a solution of root or Heteroauxin.

Soil and containers for planting seeds

Getting ready for sowing

Purslane, both decorative and used for food, grows well even in poor soil, if proper watering is provided and the place is correctly chosen. Indoor purslane species planted in compost do not need to be additionally fed and fertilized.

Important! Store mixes for the plant contain peat, which inhibits the growth of purslane. Therefore, you need to do the preparation of the soil yourself.

Seedling soil

Step 1. In the garden or vegetable garden, we collect land without knots, grass and stones.We transport it in a tight bag, and then sift it through a coarse sieve.

Step 2. We weigh the resulting volume of land, after which we take sifted river sand in a ratio of 5 parts of soil to 1 part of sand. We mix the components well.

Step 3. We put the resulting mixture in the oven for calcination and disinfection. You can also perform the procedure in a water bath.

Proper soil preparation Show on page Open in full size

It is recommended to wait one or two weeks before planting seeds in prepared soil.

Next, we prepare a container where the soil will be poured and the seeds will be sown. Wash a plastic container well with soap or heat a wooden box in the oven. If there are no drainage holes, we drill them in the bottom of the container, the best hole size is 0.5-1 cm.

In a clean container (it is better if the volume is small) we fill in a layer of fine gravel or expanded clay. Layer thickness maximum 1 cm.Pour soil mixture on top, leave 1 cm from the edge of the side to the ground.

Laying the soil in the seedling container

It remains only to water the soil before sowing purslane. We use tap water that has settled for several days, but if there is an opportunity to collect clean snow away from city roads, then we collect it, bring it home and water the soil with warm melted water.

On a note! Do not use too cold water to water your seeds and seedlings. It is better if the liquid is at room temperature.

Sowing seeds and germinating

We will learn how to properly sow purslane seeds for seedlings.

Preparation

Before sowing the seeds, you need to prepare the container: fill it with soil, level the substrate, compact it a little, water it.

Sowing

Seeds are evenly distributed over the surface of the substrate, do not sprinkle with earth. Can be planted in grooves - this method is quite convenient. The depth of the grooves should be about half a centimeter, and it is recommended to maintain the distance between them about 5 cm. Sprinkle the grooves on top after sowing with sand.

The container must be covered with a thin polyethylene film (food can be used), and put on a well-lit window sill - preferably the southern one.

Conditions for germination

Lighting

So that the seeds hatch well and amicably, and the seedlings then develop actively, the container must be kept under abundant and prolonged illumination. The best choice would be a window sill on the south side of the house.

If there is little natural light, provide artificial lighting. Otherwise, the seeds may not hatch, and the seedlings will turn out to be frail, underdeveloped, fall over or elongate.

Temperature

It should be borne in mind that at low air temperatures, seedlings of purslane will not be able to develop normally. If the room is below +15 degrees, the seedlings may even die. Optimal temperature range: + 26-30 degrees.

Humidity

The humidity level is needed slightly above moderate. In dry soil, seeds will not be able to germinate, and in waterlogged soil there is a risk of rotting. Water the soil in the container as needed and only by spraying. Use a spray bottle for this.

With the right approach, seedlings appear in one to two weeks.

Safe Therapy Basics

The harm of garden purslane lies in the content of special compounds that can affect the heart rate. The plant is indicated for hypotension, however, only if a normal pulse is maintained, since slowing it down is a ban on taking the plant.

It should be abandoned by pregnant and lactating women, as well as people in old age who have serious disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system. Contraindications of the garden purslane include increased nervous excitability, since the plant is capable of provoking seizures.

Side effects of purslane - increased blood pressure, extremely undesirable in hypertension.During a crisis, it is better to refuse even a salad containing purslane.

Growing and care

Purslane for breeding at home does not require special attention, being an unpretentious plant. For a plant to grow and develop well, it needs:

good illumination;
rare watering.

Purslane growing from seeds - when to plant

This flower loves well-lit growing areas. In shading, the trunks of the plant stretch out, the flowers become pale and unattractive. Since this flower is drought-resistant, it should be watered no more than once a week, and you must try to prevent water from getting on the leaves. Since purslane is a succulent, it can go without moisture for a long time. Close groundwater and frequent watering can lead to decay of the root system.

Important! Purslane does not need fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.

"Rug" grows well and blooms on poor rocky and sandy soils. And on the soil fertilized with organic matter, it grows, increasing the green mass and slowing down flowering.

Flower care consists in weeding from weeds and, if the seeds are planted directly in the ground, thinning the shoots.

Sowing seedlings

Cultivation of double purslane from seeds is possible in two ways: sow them in the ground (in the southern regions) or in boxes with prepared soil mixture (where spring is late). If the seeds are sown directly into the garden bed, it should be covered on top with a film from spring frosts. As soon as the seedlings begin to hatch, the film is removed.

Seedlings

You can grow the plant through seedlings, but it has very small seeds, which are mixed with sand in a ratio of 1: 4 for more uniform germination. Purchased land for sowing the seeds of this plant is not suitable due to the presence of peat in it. Usually, the mixture for planting is prepared by themselves, taking 2 parts of coarse sand on 3 parts of garden soil. Necessary manipulations to obtain the desired result:

the soil is calcined in the oven for disinfection;
a drainage layer is poured onto the bottom of the container or pot so that there is no stagnation of water during excessive watering;
then, slightly tamping, impose the prepared composition;
the substrate is slightly moistened from the spray bottle;
shallow grooves are made in the ground with a match or a toothpick and the seeds are laid without deepening them, but slightly pressing;
the top is covered with glass, keeping the room temperature at least 20 degrees.

Periodically, the glass is raised, allowing the earth to ventilate. The soil in the container should not dry out; it is slightly moistened with a spray bottle. After 1-2 weeks, the first shoots appear. If the weather is cloudy outside, the seedlings need to be highlighted for several hours a day. For hardening and excessive stretching of seedlings, it is advisable to slightly lower the night temperature in the room. After a while, when there are 2 leaves on the plants, young seedlings must be cut into separate containers or boxes at a distance of 4-5 cm from each other, trying to keep a lump of earth with roots during transplantation. Once a week or 10 days, until the plants move to a permanent residence in a flower garden, young shoots, for better survival, are fed with mineral complex fertilizer. To harden the plant, it is required to take it out into fresh air, starting from 15 minutes, each time increasing the time spent outside. If there is no threat of frost on the street, and the plant has 9-11 leaves, you can plant it in the ground.

Pay attention! At air temperatures below +10 degrees, purslane throws off the leaves.

When planting terry purslane in a permanent place, it is necessary to maintain a distance between plants of at least 15 cm. It usually blooms 6-7 weeks after seed germination.

Flowers are planted:

in hanging pots;
in a well-lit place where there is no shade and partial shade;
on the alpine slides;

You can breed purslane and dividing the bush, tearing off one branch from it and lowering it into the water. When the shoot gives roots, it can be planted in a pot on the balcony and rejoice until late autumn with small flower lanterns similar to peonies. Purslane, planted in pots and pots, needs more frequent watering due to the faster drying of the potted clod of the earth.

Views

There are four varieties of plants that have different distinctive features.

Large-flowered

It is a decorative flower that is popular with florists from all over the world. The advantages of large-flowered varieties include:

the size of the flowers, the diameter of which is 4-6 centimeters;
long flowering;
disease resistance.

Ampelny

A perennial hybrid bush that is planted outdoors. Distinctive features of ampelous flowers are fleshy oval leaves and thick stems. Flowers bloom in summer, they are purple, orange and reddish in color.

Garden

Garden purslane, or garden purslane is classified as low-growing flowers with a height of 25-35 centimeters. The bush spreads on the ground, its stems are covered with large green leaves. Over time, flowers appear on the plant, which turn yellow after flowering.

Flowering

When decorating a garden, a flowering species is often planted that blooms longer than other plant varieties. The stunted stems of the bush grow up to 25 centimeters. With proper care, it can grow up to forty centimeters.

Reproduction

There are two ways to propagate purslane.

Seeds

The easiest way to propagate a flower is with seeds. They are collected from inflorescences at the end of summer. The collected seeds are planted in the garden in spring for further germination.

By cuttings

To obtain cuttings that can be planted in spring, 2-3 branches are cut from the plant. Then they are placed in a jar of water for rooting. After the roots appear, the petioles are transplanted into a pot or garden.

How to collect seeds

Each purslane bud is able to delight with beauty throughout one day. After flowering, the bud withers and a seed capsule is formed. It is necessary to collect the boxes in advance to prevent self-seeding.

After flowering, you should wait for the first bolls to ripen and open, after which you can make a massive collection. The stems should already turn yellow by the time the seeds are harvested. Plants are dug out of the ground by the roots, shaken off, then hung out to dry in a ventilated room. At the bottom, a fabric is spread, onto which seeds from the drop-down boxes will fall. You can dry the boxes by simply spreading them out on clean paper. This option is suitable if there is little seed.

Store the resulting seeds at a temperature of + 4-5 degrees in a dry, airtight place. It is optimal to place the seed in a jar or a plastic container with a screw cap. Keep in mind that purslane seeds retain their germination for three to five years after harvest. After five years of storage, planting seeds is unlikely to lead to success.

Important: it is difficult to obtain terry varieties from seeds, since these plants are not genetically capable of inheriting their decorative characteristics. Terry will remain 100% only when cuttings. In addition, seed germination of terry varieties is very low.

Pests and diseases of culture

In good warm weather and a sufficient number of sunny days, purslane diseases are not affected. But in hot weather, plants can be overcome by numerous pests. The most common among them are aphids and spider mites. Against them, regular spraying of the entire green mass with solutions "Aktelik", "Fitoverm", "Biotiln", "Ankara" or "Iskra" should be carried out. The same compounds will help against another pest - thrips. If they settled on a purslane, then silvery stripes, dots, specks will appear on the green shoots.

Of the diseases, the plant is often damaged by a fungus. There is a species of Albugo portulaceae, which, when the leaves are damaged, leaves characteristic spots and discolored areas on the purslane. The drugs "Ridomil", "Fundazol", "Previkur" help against it.

Care during and after flowering

Main activities:

good watering. The optimum frequency of soil moistening is every week, in dry years - twice in the same period. Purslane does not grow well without a sufficient volume of liquid. It is useful to water the open ground plant and indoor flower with settled, necessarily, warm water. The liquid is poured at the root;
top dressing is optional if the soil is nutritious and loose. For a beautiful flowering, you can add mineral fertilizers every three to four weeks. It is important to ensure that synthetic compounds do not fall on the leaves and buds;
flowers often fade in one day, but do not immediately pluck each bud, otherwise you can damage neighboring plants. It is necessary to leave the often dried-up boxes for collecting seeds. If the planting area is small, then you can immediately remove wilted buds to preserve the high decorative effect of the composition.

On a note! When growing purslane, mulching is not carried out. Curly stems actively grow, increase in length, braid the ground with a dense carpet, and a natural "mulch" is formed. In such conditions, moisture remains for a long time under the green cover, and the weeds have no room and no light to grow.

Self-collection of purslane seeds and their selection for sowing

Purslane seeds, due to their good preservation and abundance, are classified as budget flowers with a low cost. This plant is easy to grow, there are no difficulties in industrial cultivation and cultivation in garden centers, so purslane seeds can be safely bought from any trusted manufacturer. The choice of individual varieties and mixtures of varieties is so great that it is better to use only purely aesthetic qualities as a selection criterion. In 1 gram of purslane seeds - up to 13 thousand potential plants.

After the flowering of purslane, in favorable weather, multi-seeded single-nested fruit pods are tied. The highest quality seeds are harvested from potted purslane plants, not from open soil. To collect seed pods and optimally ripen the seeds, purslane is brought into the rooms at the end of August, protecting the plants from cold snaps even up to 10 degrees at night. In room conditions, in bright light, the seeds gradually ripen, and after the bolls are brown, they can be safely collected, dried and opened. But you can collect your seeds from plants growing in the soil.

True, a one-time procedure cannot be dispensed with: the capsules open slightly when ripe, the plants must be monitored, systematically removing the fruits as soon as they turn yellow. In double purslane, you need to try to collect seeds from the first two pairs of flowers, in which doubleness is worse, but a normal pistil develops and then full-fledged fruits are formed.

Purslane maintains seed germination for up to 3 years, subject to protection from light and hot temperatures. As a rule, even one plant can collect so many seeds that they will last for several years.

Botanical signs

It is an annual plant of the purslane family. Its main feature is light-requiring, therefore it grows mainly in southern, warm regions. Its homeland is unknown, we can only say for sure that these are the tropical regions of the eastern hemisphere.

Purslane is a succulent with a recumbent smooth stem, slightly reddish, branching from the base. It has sessile fleshy leaves and small yellow sessile flowers. The fruit of a succulent is a spherical or ovoid capsule, it is called a lid. Among the people, purslane can be called dandur.

Found the garden purslane distribution both in folk medicine and in gastronomy.Its greens quench thirst, which is used by the culinary specialists of the Caucasus, Asia, and the Mediterranean countries. Well, the useful properties of the plant were described by Hippocrates. He could not know the chemical composition of purslane, but he assumed that succulent is a super means for cleansing the body.

Specificity of growing by seedling method

If there are no special design fantasies for decorating a garden, front garden, then purslane can be sown with seeds directly into the open ground.

Provided that there are ideas for the design of a living carpet or other places, it is better to choose a seedling method. It should be noted that at home there will be no hassle with the care of a purslane.

Container and soil

It is advisable to take a purchased soil mixture for purslane. It already contains the necessary trace elements. The soil already has such qualities as:

breathability;
water permeability;
looseness, lightness and neutrality.

It is strictly forbidden to use black soil. Also, they do not fertilize the soil for purslane with compost, humus.

If the soil mixture is made by hand, then only two components are required: sand and earth from the site. Calculation: 0.5 in 2 parts. Before mixing or after the procedure, the finished mixture is steamed with a disinfectant or fried in the oven.

Need to know! There will be no trouble if you purchase universal soil for planting purslane. But technologists recommend adding sand and perlite to it in equal proportions (0.5 parts each). Or replace the ingredients with charcoal. The additive is calculated 1 to 5.

Bowls, boxes or individual glasses, pots, peat tablets are suitable as a container.