How to Plant Moss Rose Seeds? A Detailed Guide to Sowing Methods

Moss rose, also known as large-flowered purslane, garden purslane, sun plant, and so on, is an annual herb in the genus Portulaca of the family Portulacaceae, with flowers in red, purple or yellowish-white and round kidney-shaped seeds. So, how do you plant moss rose seeds?

1. How to Plant Moss Rose Seeds?

First prepare a flower pot with a bottom that drains water. Then make a growing medium by evenly mixing 3 parts aged garden soil, 5 parts yellow sand, 2 parts rice husk ash or fine sawdust, and a little superphosphate powder. Then sow the seeds; they are very small, so after sowing press them down gently and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist and maintain the temperature above 20°C, and the seeds will sprout in about 7-10 days.

2. When Does Moss Rose Bloom?

Moss rose blooms from June to September. The flowers are solitary or several clustered at the tips of the branches, 2.5-4 cm in diameter, opening in sunlight and closing in the early morning, evening and on cloudy days, with 5 petals or double petals, and flower colors in red, purple or yellowish-white. The flowers are endlessly varied: some are fully open, like a smiling face; some have one half of the petals spread out while the other half refuses to open, like a shy girl; and some are still buds.

3. Is Moss Rose Edible?

Moss rose is not usually eaten; it is mostly grown as an ornamental flower, but it can be eaten as a Chinese herbal medicine. The whole plant can be used medicinally, with effects of dispersing blood stasis and relieving pain, clearing heat, and detoxifying and reducing swelling, and it is used for sore and swollen throat, scalds, bruises and injuries, and sores and boils.