It has been cultivated in India and the Middle East and has been popular in Europe since the Middle Ages. Common purslane germinates in California from February to March in the southern desert areas to late spring in cooler areas when soil temperature reaches about 60°F. For an early crop, the seed is best sown under protection in early spring and can then be planted out in late spring. Outdoor sowings in situ take place from late spring to late summer, successional sowings being made every two to three weeks if a constant supply of the leaves is required