When is the best time to sow purslane?
Purslane, also known as purslane vegetable or long-life vegetable, is a common wild vegetable found in fields, at field edges, and along roadsides. Because of its strong growth ability and its effects of clearing heat and draining dampness, reducing inflammation, and promoting urination, it is widely eaten, and in some regions it is even grown specifically for sale. So when should purslane be sown?
I. When should purslane be sown?
Purslane is generally sown mostly in spring. However, because climate conditions vary from place to place, the sowing time also differs slightly. For example, in subtropical regions such as Guangdong, Hainan, and Guangxi, it is generally sown in late February; in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it is generally sown in mid-to-late May; and in North China, it is generally sown in early-to-mid June.
II. How is purslane sown?
1. Seed selection
Purslane seeds are very small. When selecting them, try to choose plump, glossy seeds. When harvesting, try to harvest recent seeds, then place them in a ventilated, dry place to dry, which can increase the germination rate later.
2. Treating the seeds
Soak the purslane seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften them, then scoop them out, let them dry, and they are ready to sow. While soaking, discard the seeds floating on the surface of the water.
3. Soil selection
Purslane has low soil requirements and can be grown in almost any soil, so when planting, you can just dig some soil from the field and bring it back. After choosing the soil, if sowing in the field, deep-plow the soil, apply an appropriate amount of base fertilizer, and finally level it.
4. Sowing
Evenly scatter the treated seeds over the field, then cover them with about 2 cm of fine soil. If there is livestock manure, just spread a layer on the surface. After a week, they will sprout.
5. Post-sowing management techniques
(1) Water: After purslane sprouts, pay attention to watering; generally, just keep the soil moist.
(2) Weeding: After purslane sprouts, various weeds will also grow around it. At this time, they should be pulled out by hand promptly.