First, you must understand my inherent nature. I am Portulaca grandiflora, often called moss rose or purslane. I am a succulent, thriving in hot, dry, and sunny conditions. My fleshy leaves and stems are designed to store water, meaning I am exceptionally drought-tolerant and actually prefer to be on the drier side. My roots are fine and susceptible to rot in consistently wet, heavy soil. Therefore, any fertilization strategy must respect my low-water, high-sun needs. Overzealous feeding, especially with nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, will encourage an excess of weak, leafy growth at the expense of the vibrant blooms you desire.
Before we even discuss fertilizer, the most important step is preparing my bed or container correctly. I demand exceptionally well-draining soil. A sandy, gritty mix is ideal. If planting me in the ground, amend heavy clay soil with plenty of coarse sand or fine gravel. For containers, use a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents, or create your own by blending standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. This ensures my roots never sit in waterlogged conditions, which is a far greater threat to me than under-fertilizing. A happy root system is the first step to a summer full of flowers.
My blooming needs are specific. While nitrogen (the first number on a fertilizer package) is necessary for initial green growth, an excess will tell me to focus on making leaves, not flowers. To encourage maximum blooming all summer, you need to provide me with a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus (the middle number). Phosphorus is the nutrient that directly supports strong root development, flower formation, and bloom production. Look for a water-soluble or liquid fertilizer with a ratio like 5-10-5 or 10-15-10. Alternatively, a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) used at half-strength is far better than a strong, nitrogen-rich one.
My feeding schedule is not demanding. I do not require constant nourishment. A gentle, consistent approach is best. Begin feeding me about four to six weeks after planting, once I am established. Then, provide a diluted dose of the bloom-booster fertilizer every three to four weeks throughout the active growing season. The key word is *diluted*; always use the fertilizer at half the recommended strength on the package. This provides a steady, gentle supply of nutrients without overwhelming my system or causing a harmful salt buildup in my soil. Cease all fertilization as the summer ends and daylight wanes.
Fertilizer is just one part of the equation. To keep me blooming profusely, you must also deadhead me. This means gently pinching or snipping off the spent flowers after they wilt. This simple action tells me that my job is not done; it prevents me from putting energy into seed production and instead directs it right back into creating new flower buds. Combine this with your careful fertilization and plenty of direct sunlight, and I will have no reason to stop showing off my colorful, papery blooms from late spring straight through until the first frost.
