Portulacas (Portulaca grandiflora) are drought tolerant, hardy annuals that produce masses of double blooms in a range of vivid colours. They are easy to grow and quick to flower, perfect for a colourful boost to your garden.


How to grow portulacas in a garden

  1. Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun.
  2. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed.  
  3. Sow seeds directly where they are to grow and lightly cover with Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix. Firm down and water well.
  4. After sowing cover with a sheet of newspaper or cardboard to limit the light to the seeds.
  5. Water gently and keep moist through germination period. After germination remove newspaper or cardboard.
  6. Once seedlings are approximately 5 cm, mulch with organic mulch, such as bark chips, woodchip or pea straw.
  7. Feed during the growing season with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food. Once flower buds start to form, feed with Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.


How to grow portulacas in a pot

  1. Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.
  2. Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Thrive Cacti & Succulent Potting Mix.
  3. Plant directly into the pot by pressing the seeds lightly into the surface of the pot. Lightly cover with Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix.
  4. After sowing cover with a sheet of newspaper or cardboard to limit the light to the seeds.
  5. Water gently and keep moist through germination period. After germination, remove newspaper or cardboard.
  6. Feed throughout the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

Yates varieties

Portulaca 'Sun Dancer'

Masses of large, double blooms in a range of vivid colours. This variety has long lasting blooms and are ideal for pots or as a massed planting.

Growing tips

  • Avoid overwatering plants once established.
  • Remove spent blooms to encourage further flowers.

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Gardenia

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Freesia

Freesias are a spring flowering bulb that produce scented blooms in a range of vibrant colours including pinks, white, yellow, mauve and red.

Flax

Flax (Phormium spp.) are highly versatile plants which can grow well in swampy or dry conditions. Great for large pots or en-masse in garden beds.

Recommended products

Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix

Specially formulated for trouble-free seed raising in trays (or outdoor seed sowing direclty into the ground) and propagation of cuttings.