The sun jewels are open again - not much sun though!

These are a lovely vibrant yellow. I grew a double variety of Portulaca from seed a couple of years ago and was surprised how well they germinated and grew. I'd always imagined (as they look so spectacular) they'd be difficult.

Hi Paul. Like you I had imagined these might be hard to grow but having taken the plunge just like you I have enjoyed their beauty for many years now in my garden. My favourite nursery keeps providing new and more colourful types every year or so and that way I never tire of them.

I didn't grow any last year but perhaps I'll try another variety this year. They do so well in my pots and baskets in my south facing front garden. In a warm summer, these are one of the few flowering plants that wiil thrive in pots in the front garden. These ones in your pic are a lovely yellow.

Wow ! so pretty!

Is there a secret to growing portulacas from seeds ? In the past 6 weeks, I've tried 3 packets of seeds, they come up (as in 80% gemniated) , fall down after 2 weeks and disappear after another few days.

I put the tray in the transparent plastic bag for 2 weeks, after i take away the transparent plastic, they fall down.

I know birds have been eating my vegetable seedlings, but portulaca seedlings shouldn't be tasty.

I'm not sure what the problem could be. Usually portulaca are easy to germinate. I have only used one particular brand of seeds and had success. I have simply followed the instructions and not had too much trouble. Sow in spring, do not cover as the seeds need light to germinate, just firm down and lightly moisten. The seeds don't need a lot of moisture but they do need about 10 days of temps around 70degrees F / 21 degrees C (not too hot). Of course, not all the portulaca in my garden have been grown from seed - I do buy some from my favourite nursery.