When we talk about purslane, we usually distinguish between summer purslane and winter purslane (also known as miner’s lettuce). Do those names tell us everything we need to know about their cold tolerance? Well, it turns out they are actually two completely different plants with very different temperature preferences. And yes, one of them is a total champ when it comes to surviving the frost!
Purslane is grown as an annual
In the garden, we treat both types as annuals. This means you’ll be sowing new seeds every year—or, if you let them go to seed, they’ll happily do the work for you! Summer purslane (the “true” purslane) makes its grand entrance in mid-May and sticks around until about October. It’s a sun-worshipper that loves the heat. Winter purslane, on the other hand, is a “cold germinator.” You’ll want to direct-sow it between late August and mid-September. It loves the shade and will stay in your garden beds all winter long, provided you don’t harvest the whole patch at once.
Summer purslane isn’t winter hardy
Summer purslane (*Portulaca oleracea*) definitely isn’t winter hardy, but honestly? That’s not a big deal. Since it grows as an annual, it doesn’t need to survive the winter anyway. However, there is one thing you should keep in mind: while the plant itself hates freezing temperatures, its seeds are incredibly tough. They can survive in the soil for up to 40 winters and sprout whenever conditions are just right! Because each plant produces thousands of seeds, planting this herb comes with a little “risk.” It can quickly take over your garden and crowd out other plants. Once it’s established, getting rid of it can be a long and tedious process.
Pro Tip:
Summer purslane blooms from June to October. To keep this invited guest from becoming an unwanted weed, make sure to pinch off the flowers before the seeds ripen. It’s a good idea to do the same with your winter purslane, too!
Winter purslane is winter hardy
Winter purslane (*Claytonia perfoliata*), also known as miner’s lettuce or Siberian purslane, is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals during the cold months. You can harvest the leaves fresh from the garden on any frost-free day. Harvest usually starts about 4 to 6 weeks after sowing. As long as you leave the “heart” of the plant and a few leaves intact, it will keep regrowing. Don’t worry about the cold—this plant is a winter warrior!
- Winter purslane is hardy down to -4°F (-20°C).
- It can stay in the garden bed all winter long.
- Protect it during extreme deep freezes.
- Cover the soil around the roots.
- A thick layer of bark mulch works best.
