Grow Portulaca, Double Mixture from freshly harvested Portulaca grandiflora flower seeds. Portulaca, also known as “Moss Rose” will produce beautiful, 2 inch, paper like flowers in an array of colors including red, pink, yellow, white, purple & rose. The plants themselves only mature to a height of roughly 3 to 6 inches tall and 12 to 14 inches wide, making it an excellent groundcover plant.
Portulaca flowers are popularly seen in rock gardens, containers, flower beds, along borders, driveways and walkways as well. They can be mixed with other groundcover plants to create a profusion of beutiful colors.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Mixture
- Height: 3″ – 6″ Tall
- Width: 12″ – 14″ Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: 4 to 11
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Portulaca seeds are very tiny, so they are best started indoors for transplanting outdoors, unless you can sow them on a calm week, with little chances of heavy rainfall & wind. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sprinkle the tiny seeds to the surface of the soil. Transplant or direct sow in the garden when the weather is warm.
Growing Conditions
Portulaca seeds will germinate in temperatures of roughly 70F or higher and they require an area of full sunlight to thrive. The plants themselves are not too picky on soil conditions, but do require a soil that is well drained. To improve drainage, adding a light compost to any areas consisting of hard, compact soil will help. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Portulaca seeds usually begin to sprout within as little as 7 to 10 days after sowing. The plants grow to a low-growing height of only 3 to 6 inches tall, but can spread to an astounding 12 to 14 inches wide. The plants themselves can be spaced 8 to 12 inches apart from one another. When these beauties begin to bloom, you will stare at the gorgeous, paper like flowers all summer long.