Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) mixed doubles: how to sow, care, and keep them blooming

Moss rose is the ultimate low-maintenance summer annual — it thrives on neglect, blazing sun, and dry soil. Mixed doubles produce fully double, rose-like flowers in pink, yellow, orange, red, and white all summer. Our Moss Rose Seeds come in a generous 6 pack x 6000 seeds — perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Why moss rose is so easy to grow

• Drought-tolerant: succulent stems and leaves store water — perfect for hot, dry spots.
• Poor soil preferred: rich, moist soil causes floppy growth and fewer flowers.
• Self-seeds freely: let a few plants go to seed for free plants next year.
• Long bloom season: flowers from early summer until frost.

How to grow from seed

1) Sow after last frost

• Direct sow outdoors after last frost in full sun.
• Scatter seeds on the soil surface — press gently but do not cover (seeds need light).
• Or start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost under bright lights.
• Germination: 7–14 days at 70–85 °F.

2) Site and soil

• Full sun is essential — flowers close in shade and on cloudy days.
• Well-drained, even sandy or gravelly soil. Avoid rich, moist beds.
• Excellent for rock gardens, slopes, and dry borders.

3) Water sparingly

• Water only when soil is completely dry. Overwatering causes root rot.
• Once established, moss rose is extremely drought-tolerant.
• No fertilizer needed — lean soil produces the best flowering.

4) Enjoy all summer

• No deadheading required — plants drop and replace flowers continuously.
• Flowers close at night and on cloudy days — this is normal.
• Plants self-seed prolifically for free plants next season.

FAQ

Why are my moss rose flowers closing?

Portulaca flowers close at night and in cloudy or shaded conditions. This is completely normal — they reopen in full sun.

Can I grow moss rose in containers?

Yes — one of the best container annuals for hot, sunny spots. Use well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Our Moss Rose Seeds (6 pack x 6000 seeds) give you plenty for multiple containers.

Does moss rose come back every year?

Moss rose is an annual but self-seeds prolifically. In warm climates (zones 9–11) it may overwinter. In colder zones, let plants go to seed for free plants next spring.