How to Propagate a Portulaca
The Portulaca plant is also known as the Moss Rose. The plant originated in South America near Brazil. Many parts of the United States cannot grow the moss rose because of its need for hot, dry climates. However, it is an ideal flowering plant for the Southwestern areas of the United States.
It is easy to grow the seeds right in a garden. Within a few weeks shoots will grow and flowers will emerge during early to late summer. Portulaca plants offer bright color for areas that usually are too harsh for more delicate blooms.
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Things You'll Need
- Moss Rose seeds
- Flower bed
- All purpose flower fertilizer
- Trowel
- Gardening gloves
- Trash bag
- Potting soil
- Large flower pot
Instructions
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1
Purchase some moss rose or Portulaca seeds at any gardening supply store or plant nursery. The fresher the seeds the better, so try to purchase the seeds from moss roses plants that were grown by the store where you bought the seeds. Packaged seeds will work, but there is a higher chance for some of the seeds to never sprout.
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2
Prepare a flower bed in a sunny, dry area of the garden or yard. The more sun the better. The ground should be dry, and should drain well. Mix in some flower potting soil to encourage the growth of the plant. Make sure the soil is loose.
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3
Create a small furrow where you want to plant the Portulaca seeds. Scatter the seeds over the dirt. They will be thinned out later. Cover the seeds with a trowel with 1/4 inch of dirt. Water until moistened. The seeds can also be planted into large pots. Cover with soil in the same manner.
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4
Water the seeds every 3-4 days until shoots start to sprout. Once they sprout, water only when the soil becomes dry. Once the shoots have two to three leaves, thin them out until the remaining plants are 6 inches apart from each other. Throw the shoots that have been removed away in a trash bag or plant them in another full sun flower bed or pot.
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Tips & Warnings
Over watering is very bad for Portulaca plants. Make sure to water only when the soil has dried out.
The best places to grow Portulaca are in hot, dry climates such as in the south western part of the United States.
Fertilize the plants once or twice yearly. This will help them grow larger and produce prettier flowers.
