Sea Purslane (sesuvium portulacastrum)
Regular price $39.95Salt-Loving Succulent for Coastal Gardens and Culinary Delights
Sea Purslane is a resilient, mat-forming succulent native to tropical and subtropical coastlines worldwide, including Florida, Hawaii, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Known for its fleshy, glossy green leaves and delicate pink to purple star-shaped flowers, this evergreen groundcover thrives in sandy, saline environments, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens and erosion control.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Sea Purslane is edible and offers a naturally salty flavor, making it a unique addition to salads, soups, and pickled dishes. Its high vitamin C content and traditional medicinal uses further enhance its value in sustainable and edible landscaping.
Why Grow Sea Purslane?
- Edible & Nutritious: Leaves are rich in vitamin C and have a salty, savory flavor.
- Coastal Resilience: Thrives in saline soils, salt spray, and sandy conditions.
- Erosion Control: Excellent groundcover for stabilizing dunes and preventing soil erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant and requires minimal care once established.
- Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage with seasonal blooms adds continuous appeal.
Growing Tips:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: Grows best in well-drained, sandy soils; tolerates saline conditions.
- Watering: Water sparingly; overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Spacing: Plant 12–18 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings or division.
| Botanical Name | Sesuvium portulacastrum |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Sea Purslane, Shoreline Purslane, ʻĀkulikuli |
| Family | Aizoaceae (Fig-marigold Family) |
| Origin | Tropical and subtropical coastlines worldwide |
| Plant Type | Succulent Groundcover |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 1–3 inches tall; spreads up to 3 feet |
| Light | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Water Needs | Low; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy, saline-tolerant |
| Harvest Season | Year-round |
| Time to Harvest | 60–75 days from planting |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| USDA Zones | 8–11 |
| Florida Native | Yes |
| Propagation | Stem Cuttings, Division |
| Seasonal Traits | Evergreen with seasonal blooms |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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