PORTULACA

Purslane. Half-hardy annual



This is a splendid subject when the weather favours it. In a dry hot

season, and on a sandy soil, Portulacas can be grown as easily as Cress.

Sowings are sometimes made early in the year in greenhouses or frames;

but as a rule it is a vain attempt. Wait until May or June, when the

weather appears settled; then put the seed into the open border, and the

lighter the soil, and the hotter the season, the more brilliant will be

the display of flowers. Sow on raised beds, in rows six or nine inches

apart, and cover the seed with sand or fine earth. If the plants appear

to be injuriously close they must be thinned. Should a period of rain

ensue, the raised beds have a distinct advantage over a flat surface,

and rows afford opportunity for stirring the soil and keeping down

weeds.