Rose moss, also known as portulaca, moss rose and sun plant, is native to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay and is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 11. The two-inch wide flowers resemble tiny roses and come in pink, white, yellow, orange and white colors. Rose moss can be planted in rock gardens, containers or as a quick-growing, six- to eight-inch-tall ground cover. Plant rose moss in full sun, and provide garden soil that is fast draining and slightly sandy.
Planting Rose Moss Seeds Indoors
Use planting cells and a good quality seed-starting mix. Fill each of the planting cells with the seed-starting mix. Tamp the soil down firmly in each of the cells. Pour water into each of the cells until the seed-starting mix is visibly well moistened.
Sprinkle a few (four to five) rose moss seeds over the surface of the soil in each cell. It's a good idea to use a pair of tweezers to pick up the seeds. Press the rose moss seeds into the soil using your fingertip. Very gently scatter a fine layer of seed-starting mix over the seeds, no more than 1/6" thick.
Place the planting cells near a good source of light. Try to provide about 10 to 12 hours of light per day. A good temperature for germinating rose moss is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The germination time for rose moss is typically between 8 and 12 days. Keep the soil in the planting cells moist, but don't over water. Mist the soil surface often enough to keep the seeds just barely dampened.
Once seedlings are about three to four inches tall, and when the temperature outdoors remains consistently about 50 degrees (both day and night temperatures), transplant your rose moss outside.
Planting Rose Moss Seeds Outdoors
Plant rose moss seeds after the danger of frost has passed. Rake the planting area level and smooth. Sprinkle the rose moss seeds over the planting area. Try to plant the seeds so that they are spaced about one inch apart.
Use your hands to push the seeds firmly into the soil. Scatter a very fine layer of soil across the planted area, about 1/16" thick. Use a fine mist of water and moisten the planted area until you are certain the area has been well watered.
Push in planting stakes around the entire planted area, so you will know where you need to water. Check the planted area daily. When the soil appears dry, use a fine mist of water and make sure to throughly moisten the area. Germination will begin at between 8 and 12 days.