Winter Purslane

If you've found the information on the seed packet to be sadly lacking, this is the place to find out more, or add your comments!

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CityGardener
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Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:46 pm

Hello all, I'm new to the forum & have been looking for info. about winter purslane. I planted some seeds at the beginning of Feb which germinated really quickly and are doing well, but I got the seed from a seedswop event that I went to and they just came in an envelope without any instructions.
What I want to know is whether I need to thin it out - it looks a bit like big clumps of grass at the moment.
Any advice on this would be appreciated.
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alan refail
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Winter Purslane/Claytonia (Montia perfoliata)

Sow late August. (I sow a few seeds to a 1" module - not easy as the seed is small and slippery)

Plant out in October when possible to handle (I plant whole modules about 3" apart)

Pick leaves when heart-shaped

When flowers appear through round leaves, continue using in salads

It will self-seed readily and germinate the following winter.

If you sowed yours in February I would be inclined to leave it alone, or, if big enough to handle, split into smaller clumps and carefully move and replant. When growing wild it grows very thickly indeed - have a look at the Wikipedia article.
CityGardener
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Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:46 pm

Thank you. I've thinned it out a bit and wait and see what happens.
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