Hi. I've only grown them twice, but had to dead head if I wanted continual bloom and didn't want them to go to seed. If you leave the blooms to dry on the plant and fall off on their own, they develope seed heads.

In addition, it takes a while for the spent blooms to dry up and fall, and they often turn a dark, unpleasant color before doing so, making them unsightly in the garden.

HTH~
Renee

I find portulaca a completely no care plant, with loads of bright colour. Have seen them used in public parks, where nobody deadheads them.

I cut the whole finished ends with small little pruners, doesn't take much time or effort to do this weekly task. You'll have persisting blooms right up till frost.

Thanks everyone for all your help. I can not wait until it is warm enough so I can plant them.

I am never a year without portulacas - I have never deadheaded them and they bloom their hearts out until they freeze. They like it really hot and the only complaint I have is that they take awhile in the spring to start their blooming.

I don't deadhead simply because I collect seeds in the fall. I now have a whole flat of little portulaca seedlings ready to go, as soon as this blasted deep freeze ends! :)

I have about 20 portulaca plants. 18 doing well, 2 have withered. They're still flowering, but the buds are tiny, with very few 'leaves' on the branches. They are a pale green instead of that nice bright healthy color.

They almost look as if they're not watered enough, but they definitely are.

Any clue what the problem might be?

That is their natural state at his time of year. If you want a tidier look, cut them back. They will continue to bloom, but slower and sparser than in the better part of summer. I let mine go to seed and also clean them up so that they don't look so woe-begotten. I will also pull up the worst looking ones, knowing that the seeds are going to produce more next summer. I have not purchased seeds for at least 8 years now. They always come back and if I don't like where they are, I move them. Mine are primarily in pots that I seldom water, just like sedums. They adore full, dry sun; still, they reach a point when they are simply "done".

You are the voice of reason. That is what I needed to know. I was wondering if a bug or disease was affecting mine.

This is my first time with Portulacas ...They seem to be doin well as there are blooming flowers almost everyday. I really dont water them as per the care directions but I am really afraid of them drying out. How often do you all water them ? Do I need to feed them? And one last silly question....what does dead head mean? I this a process that I will need to become accustomed to .\? As you can see I am a beginner but always willing to learn better ways to properly care for my plants . I live in South Texas so its really hot and humid here during the summertime.Any advice would be really appreciated.. Thank you for your understanding ...