Marianne's Response
Portulaca care
I’m growing portulaca in a pot and it was doing great up until now – I was told they don’t need to be deadheaded but when I look at the spent blooms I see seed pods and not buds or new flowers. Can you help me understand what is happening to my plant? Do I need to cut off and remove the seed pods? And why are seeds growing every time a bloom falls off? Thank you!!
Posted by Lesley Reardon on August 11, 2021
Marianne's Response
Portulaca is a flowering succulent that does not require dead heading or the removal of faded flowers to keep them blooming. They do need full sun and love heat but when grown in a pot will need some water on hot days. You can cut them back by one third if they are growing too long. They do not need extra fertilizer but must have good drainage. There are many types of portulaca or moss rose and some are just plain weedy which means they will flower and go to seed quickly. The best varieties are the ones you get from a nursery in the spring with larger blooms. Keep Growing, Marianne Binetti
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