Growing Your Own Thriving Moss Rose

Moss rose (portulaca grandiflora) is a stunning, flowering annual capable of thriving even in the hottest and driest parts of the United States; they are also popular in some areas of Canada. The colors span a range of vivid purples, oranges, reds, pinks and yellows that garnish velvety greenery. Moss rose can grow four to eight inches tall. It has a habit of spreading its wings and taking over, its two foot sprawl makes it a perfect groundcover.

Tips Concerning Moss Rose

• Moss rose requires a lot of sunlight. It is important to find a home for your moss rose that will provide at least six to eight hours of the sun’s full, direct rays each day.
• Tremendously good drainage is a necessity for moss rose. Sandy types of soil are good as are sloping areas and raised beds. Standing water will rot your. Be sure soil is dry before watering again.
• Do not plant until there is no possibility of further frost.
• Strawberry jars, which are available in terra cotta, plastic and ceramic varieties are perfect for growing moss rose to keep on your patio. Strawberry jars are tiered planters with individual planting pockets circling the pot in rows of varying heights. Many plants are hard to keep watered properly in this sort of planter, but not this one.
• Moss rose makes a wonderful border for hard to mow areas. If you hate edging your lawn, you may want to consider using this colorful plant as a sprawling border for the driveway, curb and sidewalks.
• Rock gardens are an amazingly gorgeous place to add some moss rose.
• Hanging planter baskets filled with moss rose that cascades downward are a beautiful addition to any patio, deck or balcony.
• Removing dead blooms will encourage new ones.
• Reapply fertilizer only one or two times, typically during mid and late summer.

Planting Moss Rose Seeds

• Cover the desired area with a good quality potting soil. The soil’s temperature should be 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix pelletized, time-release flowering plant fertilizer into your soil according to package directions.
• Freely cast seeds over the area and refrain from covering the seeds. Direct light encourages sprouting. Water very lightly; only enough to anchor the seed and keep it from blowing away. If the soil is too wet, your seeds will sprout and then wilt almost immediately.

Transplanting Young Moss Rose

• Moss rose will typically be found at your local nursery early in the planting season in mixed variety flats.
• Mix potting soil with pelletized, time release flowering plant fertilizer. Cover the area where you intend to plant your flowers with the soil mixture.
• Plant the seedlings, according to directions, approximately one to two feet apart. Keep in mind these beauties really do like to roam freely.
• Water only slightly. This plant thrives only in dry conditions. Over watering will only kill them off.