Portulaca Germination Information
Portulaca is the botanical name for Moss Rose
How to Sow Portulaca: - Best sown indoors at alternating temperatures of 68 and 86° with germination occurring in 10-15 days
- Can also be sown outdoors after all danger of frost is past in the spring
- Seeds are very small
- When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
How to Grow Portulaca: Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves
Spacing: Plant out 12-24 inches apart in full sun and a sandy, dry, well-drained soil
Lighting: Grow on under long days (11 hours or more) and full sun to induce flowering
Additional Care: Water plants to establish them, otherwise grow on the dry side. Very tolerant of heat and drought and will readily self-sow around the garden
Appearance and Use:
A good plant for dry beds and borders, in containers and rock gardens, and as edging material. The plants grow only 4-6 inches tall, but spread to 2 feet. The will be covered all summer long in 21/2 inch diameter flowers that are colored pink, red, gold, yellow, cream, white, or salmon and sometimes striped or flecked with a contrasting color. The petals are satin-textured and ruffled in appearance. Petal arrangement is either single and cup-shaped or double and rose-like in appearance. Flowers open during the day and close at night; likewise, they close on cloudy days. Leaves are green, 1 inch long, thin, cylindrical, and succulent
About Portulaca: Pronunciation: pôr-tu-lå’kå gran-di-flo’ra
Lifecycle: Annual
Origination: Portulacaceae; native to South America
Common Name: Moss Rose