Carpet flowers in the garden. Useful and unpretentious purslane - planting and care, photos of varieties

Purslane terry is an ornamental annual creeping plant with double flowers 2-3 cm in diameter of a wide variety of colors: white, pink, orange, red. This is one of the favorite flowers of many gardeners, which, thanks to bright, multi-colored flowers, creates an attractive colorful flower rug in the garden or at their summer cottage, which is why many people call purslane as a “rug”.

Purslane terry is ideal for decorating flower beds, borders, creating flower arrangements and alpine slides, it is also used to decorate balconies and garden flowerpots.

Purslane terry, description

Terry purslane is a low-growing creeping plant no more than 20 cm high, with fleshy leaves and light green stems, sometimes with a purple tint, with spindle-shaped, branched roots. Clinging to the ground, the purslane completely covers the area, the flower bed, forming a continuous carpet of exquisite beauty. Purslane leaves are fleshy and needle-shaped. The highlight of the plant is flowers resembling miniature rose or peony, which consist of several balls of petals. Terry purslane begins to bloom in early summer and continues to delight with extraordinary beauty until frost. The variety of colors is simply amazing, a mixture of terry purslane looks especially beautiful and colorful, from which a spotted elegant flower garden is obtained. Flowers open in sunny weather, their flowering lasts only one sunny day, and in place a faded flower new ones appear.

The attractiveness of purslane for gardeners:

• The plant is resistant to trampling. For a long time, it was considered a weed, which was fought in every possible way.
• Unpretentiousness in care.
• The presence of beautiful buds of various colors is the decoration of any site or flower bed.
• Rapid landscaping of the suburban area.

Types and varieties of terry purslane

Large-flowered purslane (Portulaca grandiflora)

Portulaca grandiflora is the most common type of purslane, with over 200 varieties. The most famous are: "white-flowered", which blooms with exquisite snow-white double flowers and "splendens" with bright pink blooms and a pleasant aroma.

The most common varieties of terry purslane

1. Flamenco. The bush is medium in size, reaching a height of up to 15 cm. The stems are long, fleshy and large. The leaves are needle-shaped bright green. It has flowers of various colors.
2. Pun is an ornamental shrub 15 cm high, resembling a rose bush, with long creeping large stems. The variety has large double flowers of bright juicy tones. Successfully used by landscape designers.
3. Sunglo is an ornamental variety with large flowers. The stems are fleshy and large, have a slightly pink tint. The leaves are long, needle-shaped. The peculiarity of the variety is that the flowers remain open in any weather, even cloudy.
4. Mango - terry large-flowered purslane with abundant flowering of coral-orange flowers 5 cm in diameter.
5. Hybrid Cream - a plant with cream flowers that have a darker center, 4-5 cm in diameter.

Purslane terry, cultivation and care

Terry purslane is an unpretentious plant that does not require special attention. The only condition for its growth and constant flowering is a lit and sunny place in your garden. It needs a permanent place for its normal growth. If it is placed in a shaded place, it will not be able to fully grow and develop: the stems will stretch and thin, becoming unattractive.

Watering the plant is carried out once a week, as this drought resistant flower, which dies from excess moisture, water should not be allowed to stagnate in the soil. The plant feels great without water for a long period of time. When watering purslane, keep the leaves dry and water early in the morning. Also, purslane does not need to be fertilized with fertilizers, but from an overabundance in the soil organic fertilizers the green part of the plant grows, and flowering slows down. It has been established that the poorer the soil, the more abundant the purslane blooms. Feels great on sandy and stone soils.

Purslane is undemanding in care, it is enough to regularly remove weeds and thin out seedlings a little so that the bushes are more sprawling and lush.

Propagation of terry purslane

Purslane terry, growing from seeds

Most often, purslane propagates by seeds. Since they are very small, they are simply sown in the soil in early spring and covered with a film to protect them from spring frosts. After the first shoots, the film is removed.

Purslane terry, growing seedlings

For colder northern regions, it is recommended to use seedling method breeding in pots.
In February, the seeds are planted in pots. In order for seedlings to sprout evenly, you can mix the seeds with sand (1: 4). It is advisable to put glass on top of the pot and put it in a well-lit place in the house, optimum temperature at least 17 degrees. In a week the first shoots will appear. The soil needs light moisture, you can sprinkle it a little with a spray bottle. To harden the plant and avoid stretching the sprouts, it is recommended to lower the temperature in the room at night. To give room for the growth of young shoots, it is recommended to dive them, and plant the removed shoots in boxes with soil. IN open ground seedlings are planted in late April or early May, when frosts are already excluded. When planting terry purslane, keep a distance of 15 cm between sprouts.

In summer, terry purslane can be propagated by dividing the bushes and transplanted to another place. After pinching off the stalk, lower it into a container of water until the roots appear. Thus, purslane can be planted in decorative flowerpots and balcony boxes. After rooting, the shoot requires infrequent watering.

Diseases and pests of terry purslane

Purslane is a rather unpretentious plant, resistant to common diseases and pests. But, there are cases of plant infection with fungal diseases, which manifests itself in the form of spots behind the leaves and buds. Having noticed the first signs of infection, the affected areas of the plant should be removed and the bushes should be treated with an agent containing copper. Another danger that awaits the plant is the invasion of aphids. When it appears, it is recommended to spray the bushes with soapy water using a spray bottle.

Purslane terry - unusually beautiful and at the same time unpretentious flower, which is successfully used to decorate borders, alpine slides and flower beds. This colorful rug will be a bright spot in your garden that will surely draw attention. Purslane looks great on balconies, in pots and garden flowerpots decorating verandas and summer arbors. In compositions, it looks great with petunias, nasturtiums, marigolds and zinnias. Since purslane is terry undersized plant, in compositions it is recommended to plant it in the foreground. Sometimes purslane can be a great alternative to lawn, providing perfect coverage site.

Purslane terry, photo

Purslane is a light-loving flower, usually grown in annual culture. The best place to land is open, warm and sunny. This low plant, so beloved by both landscape designers and summer residents, will create on the ground blooming carpet at proper care. It can bloom from June until frost. This succulent is grown in flower beds, borders, southern balconies and slopes of alpine hills, and, of course, on windows in the summer season.

Features of cultivation in balcony pots and in open ground

Purslane came to Europe, and then to Russia from the countries of South and North America. In warmer climates, with mild winters, purslane often becomes a weed, propagating by self-sowing. The name purslane comes from the Latin portula - which means "gate". This is due to the fact that the seed box opens in this way: with gate leaves, only very small.

The people call purslane a rug, because it really rarely grows above 15 centimeters in height, preferring to spread along the surface of the earth. In a room, purslane grows well only in very bright light, preferring southern windows and direct sunlight. It can grow in the winter in a room, but with a lack of light it stretches and does not bloom, so it is necessary to use additional lighting, best of all with special fitolamps.

It is an annual plant with a spindle-shaped and branched root. The stem is brown, branched, fleshy. The leaves are small, shaped like a flattened egg, fleshy. It blooms in June with small flowers appearing in the forks of the stem. Each flower stays open for only 1 day, then dies off.

Garden purslane is eaten as a side dish for meat and fish dishes, frying or stewing young stems with the addition of vegetable oil, garlic, vinegar or fried onions. This healthy vegetable easy to grow and rich in trace elements.

But most often purslane is bred as an ornamental plant. In the plots, it is planted on sunny alpine slides, as bright spots in a flower bed.

In apartment-type houses, purslane is an excellent solution for hot and southern balconies, where ordinary plants burn out from excess sun and heat. It is better for them to admire close up, and thanks to the strongly branched stems, they are also planted in hanging baskets.

Annual or perennial - which is better?

In an annual culture, large-flowered purslane is most often grown, this decorative flower with a wide variety of colors. They can be white, red, scarlet, yellow, orange, simple and terry.

There are also perennial varieties purslane, but in open ground due to cold and snowy winters they can be grown in our conditions only as annuals. Ampel varieties of purslane are most often considered perennials, they can be grown in hanging planters, and for the winter bring it into a warm room - an apartment or a house, limiting food from September to March and keeping the soil moist. In the spring, such a plant begins to be intensively fed and cuttings or simply cut off, stimulating the growth of new shoots or rooting cuttings to obtain new bushes.

In places with warm winter, where the temperature does not fall below +10, purslane hibernates itself.

Garden purslane - stem length up to 60 cm, flowers are small, yellow, of no value. Rich in vitamins A, C, E, PP, contains carbohydrates, proteins, carotene. It quenches thirst well, has a positive effect on mood. For medicinal purposes, it is used to lower cholesterol and blood sugar, with insomnia and liver diseases. Young leaves and shoots are eaten fresh, boiled or canned. Very often, it is the garden vegetable purslane that grows like a weed, propagating by self-sowing.

Air marshmallow and other varieties of purslane

Present on the market big variety ornamental varieties - there are those that require maximum light and those that can bloom in the shade, annual and perennial, with simple flowers and terry, and even mixtures of varieties, for those who cannot decide. We give a description of the most common varieties, but breeders constantly bring out new ones.

• Long Summer - An improved version of the terry purslane, it has a longer and more abundant flowering. Plant height up to 15 cm, blooms only on clear and sunny days, blooming flowers of the most diverse colors, reaching a diameter of 5 cm.
• A cheerful round dance is a terry purslane, the flowers of which bloom even on cloudy days. Flower up to 5 cm in diameter, various colors. Suitable for ampel cultivation, borders, balcony boxes.
• Coral reef is an annual purslane, up to 15 cm high. The diameter of semi-double flowers is 4 cm, the color is coral. It can grow even on the most meager and poor land, on sandy or stony soils with minimal watering.
• Cream F1 - annual variety purslane with double flowers of cream color. Very beautiful, with strong growth vigor, grows best on poor and sandy soils. Indispensable in ampelous culture.
• Cherry is a terry purslane that blooms only in sunny weather. Plant height 12 cm, spreads well, flowers up to 5 cm in diameter, cherry color. Very photophilous, does not bloom even with the slightest shading. Prefers to grow on sandy and dry sandy soils.
• Pink terry - purslane height up to 10 cm, stems grow up to 30 cm, branches well, forming a dense mat. Flowers up to 5 cm in diameter, double. Good for balconies, pot culture.
• Sunny Princess - a mixture of seeds from the agricultural company Gavrish - includes terry, semi-double and simple varieties variety of colors, can grow in sunny, but damp and cool climates. It grows well on poor and stony soils, even without top dressing. Planted in flowerpots, on borders, alpine slides.
• Terry orange - blooms flowers even in cloudy weather. The plant is low, only 10-15 cm, the diameter of the flowers is up to 5 cm, bright orange. Terry. Resistant to pests and diseases. Can be used for pot culture, on sunny balconies in boxes.
• Scheherazade - large-flowered purslane, non-double, with a diameter of flowers up to 4 cm. Opens only on sunny days. Blooms in July. Suitable for growing in containers, pots.
• Happy Traels F1 - yellow, orange, pink or red-white striped double flowers, up to 23 cm high, forms a mat up to 45 cm in diameter. It is better to plant in flowerbeds, slides, in containers.
• Happy occasion - large-flowered, two-color, terry. The color of the petals is white-pink, the stem is light green, up to 25 cm high. It looks very nice in balcony boxes, flower beds, flower beds, but blooms only in sunny weather.
• Pink haze - the flowers are original, terry and semi-double, pale pink in color, very reminiscent of roses. It grows well in width, forming a spot about 40 cm in diameter. It grows well on sandy, rocky and poor soils with minimal watering. Very a good option for ampel landings.
• Tequila Cherry F1 and Tequila White F1 - hybrids with strong growth vigor, grow rapidly, forming a mat up to 40 cm in diameter. They grow even in humid climates, on the poorest soils with little or no watering. Flowers are double, up to 5 cm.
• Purslane Sunny is an annual plant, up to 10 cm high. The flowers are yellow, up to 4 cm in diameter, they open only in sunny weather. It is undemanding to the soil. It is advisable to plant on the southern slopes of rocky hills.
• Air marshmallow- an annual plant that grows to a height of only 10 cm, spreads well. Terry flowers of various colors: pink, orange, red, white, lilac, with a diameter of 4 to 6 cm. Can grow on ordinary garden soil, in border beds, on balconies, in flowerpots.
• Sunglo is a perennial purslane with the largest flowers that do not close even in cloudy weather.

Photo gallery: varieties of flowering purslane

variety Air marshmallow - one of the most popular Long summer - a mixture of terry flowers of various colors Cheerful round dance - a mixture of terry ampelous flowers Variety Cream F1 with a delicate color and large flowers
Cherry variety - blooms only in sunny weather Pink terry variety is low with large flowers Terry orange blooms even in cloudy weather Sunny Princess - a mixture of shades and shape of petals Happy Traels variety is quite a tall plant, it can be of different colors
Sunny purslane - a low annual variety Variety Happy occasion is distinguished by an unusual color Mixture of Scheherazade - non-double petals of different colors Variety Tequila Cherry is distinguished by terry cherry-colored flowers variety Pink haze grows well, ampelous

A large selection of varieties allows you to choose exactly what the gardener likes, both in terms of flower size and color. Although decorative purslane loves the sun, there are varieties that bloom in partial shade.

How to propagate purslane

Decorative purslane can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. In regions where winters are warm and summers are long, purslane can produce full-fledged seeds and sprout itself in spring.

garden purslane propagates by self-sowing, you can do nothing special.

Propagation of terry varieties by cuttings

Beautiful hybrid varieties of purslane cannot be propagated by seeds, as they will not pass on maternal genes, so this purslane is propagated by cuttings:

1. A piece of twig, 10–15 cm long, is cut from the plant.
2. Slightly dry the cut and remove the leaves at a distance of 2-3 cm from it.
3. The stalk is placed in water or in wet sand.
4. In dry and hot weather, you can cover the stalk with a transparent bag or spray the stalk with water.
5. Put rooted plants in a bright place.

Usually new roots appear within a few weeks. And they are transplanted in several pieces to a permanent place or in seedling pots.

Sowing seeds for seedlings

To get flowering bushes already in June and enjoy their beauty longer, the seeds are sown for seedlings in mid-March. Light and heat (22 degrees and above) are very important for young plants.

The soil for seedlings is selected light, preferably without the addition of peat, which reduces the germination of seeds. Therefore, it is better to use turf and leaf soil with the addition of ¼ of the washed sand.

The capacity for planting is chosen wide, with drainage holes. Small expanded clay or gravel, up to 1 cm high, must be poured at the bottom of the pot. This is due to the fact that purslane tolerates a lack of moisture more easily than its excess, for proper circulation in the container there must be good drainage.

The sequence of actions for growing seedlings:

1. Pour the earth into a container and moisten well with rain or melt water. If there is none, then you can use water that has previously settled.
2. Purslane seeds are small, like a poppy seed, they are sown so that the distance between them is 1 cm, slightly pressed into the soil to a depth of 0.5 cm.
3. From above, the pot is covered with a film and put in a warm place, with a temperature not lower than 22 degrees, but better - 30 degrees. It is desirable that the pot was in the light.
4. When condensation accumulates on the film, it is necessary to ventilate the greenhouse at least once a day.
5. The first shoots of purslane may appear as early as 7 days. Usually purslane rises together, it is immediately moved to a sunny and warm window sill, the film is removed.
6. Grown seedlings with 1-2 real leaves dive into individual pots. The earth can be sprinkled to the cotyledon leaves.
7. To grow strong purslane seedlings, you need to provide it with an abundance of sunlight, heat and moisture, otherwise it will stretch. You can illuminate the seedlings in the morning, in the evening, and in cloudy weather - all day.
8. Well-growing seedlings require fertilizing at least once a week. At this stage of growth, you can use a universal mineral fertilizer.

Video - how to sow purslane with double flowers for seedlings

Although purslane has good seed viability, there are times when purchased hybrid terry varieties in bags germinate poorly. In order to save expensively inherited plants, it is better to propagate them by cuttings in the future.

Sowing directly into the ground

In regions with in early spring and in the long summer, you can plant purslane seeds directly into the ground:

1. Tender seedlings of purslane can die even with slight frosts, and at +10 0 air they already stop growing, so you should not rush into planting and be sure to cover them with a film at night.
2. A bed for purslane is dug up, the top layer of the earth is mixed with sand and moistened.
3. Seeds are mixed with sand and scattered over the surface of the soil and lightly pressed.
4. Water regularly as the soil dries up (on sunny days 1-2 times a week).
5. With uneven germination, grown seedlings with 1–2 true leaves dive and sit down. The earth can be sprinkled to the cotyledon leaves.
6. Feed young sprouts 1 time per week, after a month - 1 time in 14 days.

Planting seedlings in the ground

Grown seedlings are planted in a permanent place after the threat of return frosts. The air temperature at night should be more than 10 degrees Celsius. IN middle lane In Russia, this is the end of May and the beginning of June, in the more northern regions - after June 12, and in the south of Russia - at the beginning of May.

Be sure to harden off the purslane seedlings a week before planting in the ground and accustom them to the sun. Hardening can be carried out on the balcony, if it is not possible to take the seedlings to the garden or cottage.

A good seedling is a plant with 10 formed leaves and buds.

Where and in what soil is it better to plant a flower

Purslane loves the sun. He is not afraid of even the very hot rays of the southern regions. Where other plants burn, purslane blooms bright colors. Therefore, the best place is the southern slope of the alpine hills, along the paths, curbs or in separate flower beds on the lawn. If you plant a purslane in the shade, then you can not wait for the flowers, but the selected flower variety will also have an impact.

Purslane is undemanding to soil, on well-fertilized soils it grows quickly and occupies a large surface, but flowering may be weak. For proper care, place it in lighter, sandy or even rocky soils where purslane blooms luxuriantly and profusely.

It is desirable that the purslane is not flooded with rainwater.

Care for purslane in the open field

In summer, on hot and sunny days, purslane must be watered, preferably 1-2 times a week. warm water. Purslane is undemanding to feeding, but modern varieties respond very well to mineral fertilizers, which can be applied 2-3 times over the summer.

The first flowers bloom after 6-7 weeks from germination. Each flower lives only 1 day, then closes and dies. While the bush is still small, it is noticeable, but when the purslane grows to the state of a dense rug, the flowers bloom constantly in in large numbers and they don't seem to fade at all.

How to collect seeds

Since a new bud opens every day, the seeds ripen unevenly. Remove the petals from a pollinated flower and observe the seed box. About two weeks after pollination, it will turn brown and open, scattering seeds around it. Don't miss this moment if you want to collect them. Seed ripening takes longer in autumn. harvested seeds remain viable for 3 years, but before sowing, their seeds must lie down for at least 3-4 months.

Collected seeds from terry varieties on next year can give simple flowers. That is why it is better to propagate them by cuttings, taking the best plants for the winter.

How can you save purslane in the winter

As a rule, purslane seeds, especially terry ones, are not sown in winter. But in the flowerbeds, where the purslane clearing flaunted the previous summer, young shoots can be found in the spring. Usually they grow plants with simple (non-double) flowers.

1. Dig up at the end of summer mother plant entirely.
2. For the winter, clean in a bright and cool place (temperature about 15-18 degrees).
3. Periodically water, do not feed, which will allow you to save and propagate the variety you like in the spring.
4. After warming, cuttings of 5–10 cm are cut from it and, having cut off the lower leaves, are planted in boxes or pots for rooting.

How to grow purslane in winter

Due to the snowy and frosty winter, the purslane does not hibernate in our open field. Particularly valuable specimens can be dug up and transplanted into a pot; cuttings can be collected from a plant at the end of summer and rooted. In winter, such plants are stored in a bright room at a temperature of +15 ... +18 degrees, but you can also put them on the southern windowsill, lighting up the purslane in the evenings, then it will continue to bloom until spring, that is, grow like a perennial.

Garden purslane reproduces well by self-sowing, so the bed with it is not dug up for the winter.

If the purslane does not bloom

Most common cause the lack of flowering is the wrong choice of planting site, with the absence or lack of sunlight. In this case, the purslane will be frail, the stems are thin, and flowering may not occur.

The second reason for the lack of flowering is too fertile land. Purslane grows green mass, it feels good, it fats and therefore does not give flowers. If you plan to grow a plant there permanently, you can add sand and small pebbles before planting and dig.

Indoor purslane (on windows and balconies)

Purslane can be grown not only in the garden, but also in the apartment. It is better to choose beautiful terry varieties that bloom even in cloudy weather (Pink terry, Orange, Sunglo).

For pot culture, purslane is best grown as a succulent, acquiring the appropriate soil: loose, breathable and without peat. Drainage must be placed at the bottom of the pots.

It can be grown through seedlings, then transplanted into a small container or pot. Moreover, you can plant several bushes at once, and if you take seeds for sowing not of the same color, but with a mixture, then the home flower bed will be very bright and varied.

It is important to remember that this sunny flower and only the southern window sill or balcony is suitable for him. If the windows to other parts of the world, and grow beautiful flowers if you want - be prepared to regularly highlight the purslane and take extra care.

IN summer months purslane can be fed once a month for lush flowering, by autumn, top dressing is removed, long stems can be cut, and the pot can be moved to a cooler place.

I chick them and leave them cool, they wake up in the spring. In general, it is possible all year round renew cuttings and keep growing. Only in winter there is practically no flowering.

A-Davhttp://forum-flower.ru/showthread.php?t=143

In spring, the bush wakes up and blooms with renewed vigor.

Purslane, planting and care - photo of an adult plant

Purslane (lat. Portulaca) - refers to perennial plants of the same genus and family. People call him dandur. It has a weaving stem and fleshy leaves, blooms in small yellow flowers. Refers to ground cover plants, and therefore - ornamental varieties are often used in landscape design.

In nature, purslane prefers sandy soil and well-lit areas. Distributed in the southern and central parts of Russia.

What are the benefits of purslane for health

Garden purslane is especially appreciated by gardeners, planting and caring for which do not require much time, and the beneficial properties of the plant are invaluable. The plant has healing properties thanks to its rich chemical composition. Its leaves and stem contain:

• protein;
• alkaloids;
• vitamins: C, K, E, PP;
• micro and macro elements;
• dopamine.

The seeds of the plant are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Regular consumption of purslane has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle, increases blood clotting. It is recommended for diabetes. In folk medicine, dandur seeds are used for colds, diseases of the kidneys and gallbladder. The juice and leaves are used to treat various skin ailments. Regular use of purslane has an anthelmintic effect.

Purslane is not officially classified as a medicinal plant, and is not used in traditional medicine. But traditional healers this plant is used to treat hypertension, and regular use is recommended for people prone to diencephalic crises.

Diencephalic or hypothalamic crisis - a sudden (possibly intermittent) short-term increase, or the appearance of new symptoms in the disease, or damage to the hypothalamus.

The stems, leaves and seeds of the crop are eaten. Salads are made from them, added to hot dishes, marinated and salted. Cosmetic masks and medicinal ointments are prepared from the juice and pulp of the plant.

Types and varieties of purslane

There are 2 main types of plants: decorative and garden purslane, their care does not differ significantly, but their purpose is radically different.

Decorative varieties

Dandur decorative (large-flowered) has large bright flowers, and thin leaves. It is grown both in open beds and in pots.

Purslane Cherry is a low growing plant with cherry-colored flowers.

Varieties of garden purslane

Dandur garden is grown for food, and how medicinal plant. At purslane Makovei - the stems can reach 35 cm.

Purslane Paradox is an edible undersized variety.

Purslane - planting and care, photo of garden plants

The plant is unpretentious to the soil, and undemanding in care. It grows rapidly, covering the soil with a green carpet. It is enough to plant it 1 time, and the culture will multiply by self-sowing.

Garden purslane - growing from seeds

IN climatic conditions In Russia, dandur can be sown directly into the soil. But if you want it to bloom in early summer, you should choose a seedling method:

• sowing is carried out in late February - early March;
• soil in containers should be light and permeable;
• small seeds are mixed with calcined sand, and sown with a path in a container with soil (it is not necessary to cover the crops with soil, just press down with a plank);
• the earth is moistened with a spray bottle, and covered with a film;
• containers are placed in a warm place, ventilated once a day, and moistened as needed.

Friendly shoots will appear in 12-14 days. The seedlings are moved to the windowsill, and when a second leaf appears, they pick. Sprouts are seated at a distance of 5 cm, and slightly deepened.

Choosing a place for the garden

When choosing a place, a prerequisite is the openness and illumination of the territory. Purslane prefers lean sandy soils. If planted in nutrient soil, the plants will increase growth at the expense of flowering.

Pre-hardening seedlings

It is important to know when growing purslane - planting and care in the open field will be successful only if the seedlings are pre-hardened. For 2 weeks, the boxes are taken out daily to the street in daytime(starting from 15 minutes, and leading up to 5-6 hours).

Before planting, make sure that the danger of frost has passed. Usually dandur is planted at the end of May, in northern regions- in June.

Purslane - planting in open ground

Seedlings are planted at a distance of 20 cm from each other, and watered. Vegetable purslane needs regular weeding and loosening until the plants grow and cover the soil. Although the culture is resistant to many ailments and pests, excess or stagnant moisture can provoke fungal diseases.

top dressing

The plant does not need fertilizing. If desired, you can use mineral fertilizers 2-3 times during the summer, then the bushes will not only be fleshy and juicy, but will also give a rich color.

Collection of purslane seeds

Seed boxes are formed unevenly. If you want to collect seeds for sprouting, or eating, you must not allow the testicles to open. At the end of August, when the boxes turn yellow, they are cut off and then dried in a ventilated room on paper. Seeds can be stored up to 3 years.

Outcome

Not many gardeners know unpretentious and very useful culture- purslane, cultivation and care, photos of varieties, and the amazing properties of which are described in our material. Planting a plant does not take much time, and eating it regularly will help improve the health of the whole family.

Purslane is a flowering ornamental plant that grows throughout Eurasia. Its homeland is considered the tropics of the Eastern Hemisphere, more exact location unknown. The title is translated from Latin as "gates, gates" and reflects the way the seed pod opens after ripening.

Purslane flowers - description

Purslane flowers are grown as annuals because they cannot stand our winters even under cover. Their height does not exceed 30 cm. Portulaca has a branched spindle-shaped root, juicy, branched brown stems, hollow inside, fleshy leaves, cylindrical or resembling a flattened egg. The flowers are white, yellow, deep red, bloom from June to September, and although each flower lives only one day, withering by evening, purslane blooms so profusely that it seems to be continuous. The fruit of the purslane is a multi-seeded spherical box. In addition to garden purslane grown in flowerbeds, in pots, hanging baskets and containers, garden purslane grass grows in our gardens, or vegetable purslane, which is a weed on the one hand, and a salad and medicinal plant on the other.

Sowing seedlings at home

For planting seeds for seedlings take shallow wide containers. The substrate must be moisture and breathable, loose and nutritious. It can be prepared independently from a mixture of sand, fertile soil and charcoal, and buy in a specialized store. But too peat mixtures should not be used, purslane will not grow well in them. The planting container should contain a good layer of drainage at the bottom. The substrate is distributed in an even layer, watered, seeds are sown and sprinkled on top with a small layer of earth.

The containers are covered with a transparent film or glass and left at a temperature of 25 degrees. The greenhouse is periodically ventilated and moistened. The first sprouts can be observed already on the third or fourth day after sowing.

Seedlings are periodically watered and thinned out by transplanting into other containers. Only with the onset of stable high temperatures day and night can purslane be planted in open ground. Usually this is the end of May - the first half of June.

Types of purslane

The plant has several types, the most famous of them:

• Purslane garden - an annual plant with yellow small flowers and a branched stem. Garden purslane has edible leaves.
• Purslane large-flowered - this species is also an annual. It blooms in white, yellow and red flowers, perfectly decorates the territory, it can be used to decorate a summer cottage.
• Terry purslane is a variety of large-flowered, undersized plant with double flowers. Its most valuable varieties are "White-flowered" and "Splendens".

Beneficial features

Useful properties of purslane are due to its chemical composition. The leaves of the plant have carotenoids, which are needed for the synthesis of vitamin A in the human body. Vitamin A is conventionally called the “beauty vitamin”, it is responsible for the condition of the skin and organs of vision. The benefits of carotenoids for maintaining beauty have been proven by scientists from Britain. Scientists have found that people who eat enough fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids appear more attractive in the eyes of the opposite sex. Purslane contains 65 micrograms of vitamin A per 100 grams, with a daily requirement of 800 micrograms.

Purslane is known in the East as a "blessed" plant, as it is an effective prophylactic against many diseases. The leaves of the herb contain ascorbic and nicotinic acid. Vitamin C is useful for maintaining the functions of the immune system. Purslane contains about 20 mg with a daily requirement of 60 mg. Nicotinic acid regulates all types of metabolic processes in the body, especially affects lipid metabolism.

Growing purslane from seeds

Sowing purslane.

Many flower growers consider growing purslane seedlings the most convenient way reproduction, so we will tell you how to sow purslane for seedlings. Despite the fact that many flower growers, when discussing when it is better to plant purslane seeds, believe that this should be done at the end of February or early March, it seems to me that it is better to sow purslane for seedlings in April so that germinated seedlings grow and development, there was enough light day, while earlier crops have to be artificially illuminated. Before sowing purslane, you should prepare a soil mixture, since any purchased soil contains peat, which slows down the germination of purslane seeds.

To prepare the mixture, you can take garden soil, add about 20% sand to it, mix thoroughly and ignite the mixture in the oven. In a shallow container with drainage holes, lay a layer of fine gravel or expanded clay, place disinfected soil on top, pour it with settled, and best of all, melt water and spread the seeds a centimeter apart on the surface - the easiest way to do this is using a wet toothpick - then lightly press seeds into the soil and, having built a frame over the container, pull transparent polyethylene over it to make a greenhouse. You need to keep a greenhouse with sowing in light warmth a place where the temperature will not fall below 22 ºC, but preferably around 30 ºC.

Purslane seedling.

Under favorable conditions, purslane seedlings will begin to appear in a week or two, and as soon as this happens, the film can be removed from the container. Now you should know how to grow purslane seedlings. Growing purslane seedlings involves periodically moistening the soil with settled water, using the bottom irrigation method, and, if necessary, organizing additional lighting. Under what circumstances might this need arise? If you see that the seedlings are too stretched, then they do not have enough light, therefore, they will have to be illuminated with fluorescent lamps or ordinary table lamp a couple of hours in the morning and a few hours in the evening, thus lengthening the daylight hours for seedlings. In cloudy weather, the lamps should burn all day. But if you sow purslane for seedlings in April and keep the seedlings on the southern windowsill, then all this trouble with artificial lighting will not be needed.

Sowing purslane seeds outdoors

The seedbed should be made in a well-lit area. A small hole is enough to grow many purslane seedlings. Seeds are sown on moist soil and lightly mixed with it. Then cover the bed with a polyethylene film or glass of a suitable size.

During the day, when it is warm enough, the bed can be opened for ventilation for 2-3 hours if there is no wind. You can water with a spray bottle when the topsoil dries out a little.

You can completely remove the film when shoots appear and the temperature is at least 24-26 °. For permanent residence, seedlings 2-3 cm high can be transplanted.

The use of purslane

Purslane is a useful plant in all respects, it is used in folk medicine, it is excellent as a cosmetic product, and is also suitable for eating. Juicy green shoots for salads are cut before flowering. Purslane has a tart and spicy flavor similar to spinach and sorrel. The medicinal substances contained in the plant help to treat diabetes, diseases of the kidneys, stomach and liver. It is also useful for eliminating the causes that cause headaches.

Miracle herb relieves inflammation in bladder, reduces pain with enterocolitis, hemorrhoids. Decoctions have antimicrobial effects and are therefore effective for conjunctivitis, dysentery. It has been established that the plant relieves dizziness, treats hypotension, cleanses the joints of accumulated toxins that contribute to arthritis. Treatment of ulcers and lichen with decoctions of herbs permanently eliminates these unpleasant diseases.

Purslane lotions relieve itching and flaking in psoriasis, quickly heal festering wounds. The fresh juice of the plant can remove warts. It normalizes the functions of the heart muscle and is a hemostatic agent. It is used in the treatment of certain sexually transmitted diseases. The juice is squeezed from the aerial part of the plant and taken 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals. Traditional medicine recommends infusions and decoctions of stems and leaves for cholelithiasis, to lower blood cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Purslane harm and contraindications

The plant can cause harm to the body during pregnancy, since purslane increases the tone of the uterus which can cause miscarriage. Do not use the plant for exhaustion and nervous excitability. The fact is that purslane contains a substance norepinephrine, similar to a hormone that is synthesized in the human body. Norepinephrine tones the body, stimulates the central nervous system, acts on the body as a dope.

Planting purslane in open ground

The landing site should be very sunny and sheltered from the winds. If the ground is very heavy and dense, fine-grained sand can be added to loosen it. But this is not necessary, because unpretentious purslane can grow on any, even the poorest, soil. Sprouts are placed according to the scheme 10 × 15, so that the purslane has room for growth. It is necessary to deepen the stem to the first leaf. Home seedlings are planted outside after preliminary hardening. It is best to carry out the operation after June 10, when the threat of a cold snap will finally disappear.

While the seedlings are rooting and adapting, it is recommended to water them as the topsoil dries. Pour water gently under the root, without eroding the soil.

Purslane care in the garden

Caring for a non-capricious purslane is very simple. drought tolerant plant requires minimal moisture. You need to water the flower only in hot, dry weather about once every 7-9 days under the root or from above from a watering can.

Mulching and loosening the soil is not required, because the purslane forms mats that completely cover the soil around. The plant does not need top dressing, it is resistant to diseases, it is not afraid of harmful insects. If you plant a flower correctly and water it periodically, it will decorate the garden from the first month of summer until the cold weather.

The soil

Purslane grows very well on poor soils, with sufficient sand content. Fertilized soil promotes the growth of greenery at the expense of flowering.

For growing purslane, you need to select a dry area, without stagnant water. If the soil is too wet, the root system may become wet.

Watering

The plant does not need frequent watering, tolerates drought well. Needs loosening of the soil only after disembarkation. It should be remembered that excessive soil moisture contributes to the development of fungal diseases. With proper care, the shrub is not affected by pests and is resistant to many diseases.

fertilizers

Decorative varieties of purslane do not need top dressing. Too nutritious soil inhibits flowering. But those varieties that are grown for culinary purposes can be fertilized regularly. For this, liquid mineral complexes are used, which contribute to the good growth of green mass. Feeding should be done once a month. The first time purslane is fertilized after germination.

Caring for purslane is quite simple, it is enough to adhere to all of the above rules, and the plant will always delight with long, bright flowering.

An unusual plant can be propagated in several ways:

seeds;

cuttings.

Reproduction by seeds

Most often, in our latitudes, purslane is grown through seedlings. To do this, the seeds are sown in late February - early March. Growing containers should have a hole to drain excess liquid. The soil must be well drained. Seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil, without sprinkling them with earth. Portulaca needs light to germinate.

Advice!Every year it is necessary to purchase new seeds for planting. Seeds collected from plants are unsuitable for further cultivation. Hybrid varieties do not always sprout, and flowering will not bring the expected results.

Seed containers should be placed in a greenhouse until the first shoots appear. The temperature for germination should not fall below +20 degrees.

The first shoots may appear only after 14 days. The seedlings are well looked after, watered, trying not to moisten the soil too much. A pick is made when the plants grow a little, reach a height of about 3 cm.

It is possible to plant young seedlings in a flower bed or in a flower pot only when a constant temperature is established. Even a slight prolonged cooling down to +10 degrees can destroy still immature plants.

IN southern regions countries sowing purslane can be carried out immediately in rows. To do this, the soil is compacted, moistened well and the seeds are evenly distributed. Landings must be covered with foil. When shoots appear, the covering material is removed. The seedlings need permanent care: it is necessary to loosen the soil, remove weeds and inspect plants. When the plants get stronger, thinning should be carried out, leaving several seedlings at a distance of about 20 cm.

Important! Purslane seeds retain their germination capacity for three years.

Seeds can only be collected from ordinary plants, terry forms of purslane are the result of selection, grown plants do not repeat all parental qualities. In simple plants, the collection of boxes with seeds should be carried out as they mature, not allowing self-sowing, otherwise they will hatch in warm autumn weather and die in winter.

Reproduction by cuttings

If you want to keep your favorite variety, you can resort to purslane cuttings. To do this, the plant is dug up and transferred to the wintering room. And in the spring, cuttings are carried out.

The mother plant is cut into cuttings that take root well in water. Young bushes are planted in a permanent place in May, when the weather permits. The seedlings obtained in this way begin to bloom within a month after planting.

Pests and diseases of purslane.

As you can see, planting a purslane and caring for it is within the power of both an indefatigable and a lazy lover of flowers. Even growing terry purslane from seeds is not difficult, because it does not differ from the rules for growing large-flowered or garden purslane, which were described above. As for pests and diseases, the purslane is very resistant to them, and you are unlikely to have any difficulties with this. However, sometimes there is a massive raid on flower beds, gardens and aphids, then the purslane also gets it. It is best to fight aphids by spraying Actellik, and if you couldn’t fix the problem the first time, then after a week you can repeat the insecticide treatment. Sometimes purslane infects the fungus Albugo portulaceae, which is expressed in deformation of the shoots and the appearance of spots on the leaves. Damaged parts will have to be removed and the plants sprayed with a fungicide containing copper.

Purslane after flowering

Strong plants you like can be transplanted into pots and brought home. By placing the purslane on the southern window, you can admire the bright inflorescences until next summer. This plant is very thermophilic and cannot winter in cold conditions. Therefore, from it you can collect seeds to sow next spring, and pull out the bushes and dispose of. You need to collect the seeds directly in the boxes, after they have dried. planting material can be prepared from August to September.

Purslane (Portulaca) is a small annual or herbaceous perennial with an outstretched stem. The leaves are whole, their shape is cylindrical.

The flowers are axillary or apical, collected in several pieces, or single. Flowering occurs from May to October. Perianth - brightly colored. The fruit is a multi-seeded single-celled capsule. Seeds are shiny and rough. Their germination is maintained for 3 years.

Approximately 100-200 types of purslane are distinguished. They grow in subtropical or tropical regions of both hemispheres.

How to grow and use purslane (video)

Purslane varieties

Purslane has many types. They differ in the color of the petals.

garden purslane

It has a highly developed stem. The diameter of the flowers is 7-8 cm, they can be single or collected in several, the color is light yellow. Flowering occurs from June to August. The plant reaches a height of 30 centimeters. Landing goes between the slabs of garden paths and on the southern slopes of the alpine slides.

Photo gallery

Purslane garden (video)

large-flowered

An annual plant with decumbent stems. Flower color can vary from white to red. The diameter of the flowers is up to 4 centimeters. Landing is carried out on the southern slopes in alpine slides, which you can create yourself, adhering to certain rules.

Scarlet

low plant. The stem is highly branched. Flowers - 5 cm scarlet terry. Flowering occurs from July to October. The plant reaches a height of 12 cm. Planting takes place on the southern slopes.

Cherry

A low plant with a strongly branched stem. The color of the flowers is cherry, the diameter is up to 5 centimeters. Flowering occurs from July to October. In height, cherry reaches 12 centimeters. The plant is used for planting on the southern slopes of the site.

Orange

The stem is highly branched. The color of the petals is orange. Flowering occurs from July to October. In height, the purslane of this variety reaches 12 centimeters. You can place it between the slabs of garden paths or use it as a ampelous plant.

Beneficial features

Organic acids that are in purslane provoke metabolic processes in the body. The use of purslane provides the body with salts of potassium, calcium, magnesium. The leaves contain flavonoids, vitamin C and carotene. Purslane is distinguished by a high content of resinous and mucous elements.

Use in landscape design

Purslane, the cultivation of which requires compliance with some nuances, requires a sunny and dry place. In the first few days, it is carefully watered. Sowing takes place in any soil, but it is better to give preference soil mixture out of 70% nutrient soil and 30% gravel and sand. A small amount of charcoal should be added.

If you grow terry purslane from seeds, some plants will differ in simple flowers. Often grass is used to create rabatok, flower beds. It is suitable for creating a flower carpet on slopes, flat terrain. Purslane looks good on rocky areas.

The plant looks great in containers. It is placed in containers on the window, vases on the street, on the balcony, in pots. In the garden plot, the plant is also used everywhere: on dry slopes, in ridges, stone walls, between slabs, in rockeries. On dry soils, it can be used as a lawn.

Purslane grown from seeds goes well with all types of plants, especially with stunted ones. But he needs good care.

From the presented plant, flower beds and flower carpets are well obtained. The flowers are very bright - orange, white, yellow, pink and red. In the evening, the buds close, but in morning time are revealed again. Purslane needs care, sun and warmth. His homeland is Brazil and Argentina. The plant was brought to Europe in the early 19th century. In our country, it is grown only as a fly.

Features of care

Purslane requires careful care. Lighting should be bright, the only way to achieve good flowering. When growing a plant from seeds at home, it is worth giving it a southern window sill. A great option - window and balcony boxes.

The temperature should be 20-26 degrees.

Frequent watering not required. But if the purslane is in boxes, it will have to be watered periodically. Feeds are not needed.

Sowing features

• From seeds, the plant is grown in March.
• The temperature should reach from 20 to 25 degrees. Lighting should be bright.
• Mini-greenhouses are suitable for growing from seeds. If the temperature is above 30, grass growth will noticeably accelerate.
• Instead of a greenhouse, you can use an aquarium made of plexiglass. From above it is covered with a film.
• At home, care involves additional illumination with a fluorescent lamp. Additional light required in the evening and morning periods, and if the weather is cloudy, then the whole day.
• Seeds should be sown in small pots. A layer of sand and gravel is placed at the bottom, then the soil goes.

Important! The soil should not contain organic fertilizers or peat. Charcoal is added to heavy soil.