How to Grow Portulacas

Dig up the soil in an area with full sun exposure with a shovel to the depth of 6 to 8 inches. The best soil is quick-draining and low in fertility. Mix a 1-inch layer of coarse sand into the top 6 inches of the soil. Rake the soil smooth and level.

Plant portulaca seedlings six inches apart and only as deep as they were growing in their containers. Place the bedding plants outside in the soil after all danger of spring frost has passed. When planting from seed, barely cover the tiny seeds with a dusting of sand.

Water the soil whenever the top of the ground feels dry to the touch. Portulacas are drought resistant, but grow best when they do not suffer from water stress. Water these succulents only once a week when it does not rain during the summer.

Feed theses succulents with water-soluble 8-8-8 fertilizer each month. Follow the directions on the label and pour the fertilizer solution around the root area. Do not splash the solution onto the leaves. Fertilizing maintains a healthy dense mat of foliage and blossoms.

Pick off the dying flowers to prevent the formation and spread of unwanted seeds. Portulacas self-seed, which means that they will spring up wherever the seeds happen to fall. Deadheading stops the plant from channeling all its energy into seed production and promotes the development of more flowers.