Germinating Portulaca From Seed

Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora), also known as moss rose, is a low-growing annual with trailing succulent foliage. The plants produce small, rose-like blooms from early summer until fall. The flowers are available in many colors, including white, red, pink, yellow and orange. Portulaca grows no more than 1 foot tall and is extremely tolerant of drought. The plants require full sun and do best in very dry, sandy soil. Portulaca seeds germinate readily when provided with ideal conditions. Encourage earlier blooms by sowing the seeds indoors during late winter or very early spring.

Things You'll Need

• 2-inch growing containers
• Fine-grade vermiculite
• Spray bottle
• Plastic wrap

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Fill 2-inch growing containers three-fourths of the way with fine-grade vermiculite.

   • 2

     Add just enough water to lightly moisten the vermiculite.

   • 3

     Sprinkle two to four seeds onto the surface of the vermiculite. Portulaca seeds require light to germinate, so covering them with soil isn't necessary.

   • 4

     Mist the surface of the soil lightly with water.

   • 5

     Place a piece of clear plastic over the growing containers and move them to a brightly lit location that maintains a temperature of approximately 65 degrees F. The seedlings will emerge in approximately six to 10 days.

   • 6

     Moisten the vermiculite lightly if it dries out.