Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a prolific plant, and saving its seeds is a straightforward way to ensure you have a supply for future gardens, whether you appreciate it as a nutritious edible or find its resilience useful as a ground cover. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to collect and save purslane seeds in your own garden:

Identifying When to Collect Purslane Seeds:

The key to successful seed saving is timing. Purslane produces small yellow flowers that are short-lived. After the flower fades, a small, green seed pod (sometimes described as a tiny fruit) forms in the center of the leaf junction. This pod is where the tiny black seeds will develop.

You’ll want to harvest the seed pods when they are mature but before they split open and scatter their seeds. This can take some observation, as the process can happen relatively quickly. Look for pods that are starting to turn slightly brown or dry but haven’t yet burst open.

Steps for Collecting Purslane Seeds:

1. Choose Your Plants: Select healthy purslane plants that you’d like to save seeds from.
2. Monitor the Seed Pods: Regularly check the seed pods for signs of maturity.
3. Harvest the Seed Pods: Once the pods look mature and are just beginning to dry, carefully cut the stems bearing the seed pods from the plant. You can harvest individual pods or entire stems with multiple pods.
4. Drying the Seed Pods: There are a couple of methods for drying the seed pods and collecting the seeds:
   • Hang Drying: Gather the harvested stems with seed pods and tie them loosely together. Hang them upside down over a clean sheet of paper, a tray, or a bowl in a dry, well-ventilated area. As the pods dry and mature, they will naturally split open and release their tiny black seeds onto the collecting surface.
   • Individual Pod Collection: Alternatively, you can gently peel off the cap of the mature seed pod to find the small black seeds inside. You may need to let these air dry on a paper towel for a few days to ensure they are completely dry.
5. Separate the Seeds from the Chaff: Once the seed pods are fully dry, gently rub or shake them over your collection surface to release any remaining seeds. You may have some plant debris (chaff) mixed in with the seeds. You can try gently blowing away the lighter chaff or using a fine-mesh sieve to separate the seeds.
6. Ensure Seeds are Fully Dry: Before storing, make sure the seeds are completely dry to prevent mold or mildew. Allow them to air dry for an additional week in a cool, dry place if you’re unsure.

Storing Purslane Seeds:

1. Choose an Airtight Container: Once the seeds are fully dry, transfer them to an airtight container. Small glass jars, envelopes, or paper bags work well.
2. Label Clearly: Label the container with the plant name (Purslane) and the date of collection.
3. Store in a Cool, Dark, and Dry Place: Store the labeled container in a cool, dark, and dry location. A pantry, cupboard, or even the refrigerator can be suitable options.
4. Viability: Purslane seeds can remain viable for several years (up to 5 years with proper storage).

By following these steps, you can easily collect and save purslane seeds from your garden, ensuring you have a supply for future plantings and the opportunity to share this resilient and nutritious plant with others.