When to Plant Portulaca in North Dakota
Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora), commonly called moss rose, is a succulent- stemmed annual built for hot, dry, low-fertility conditions where other flowers fail. Its silky, rose-like blooms open in full sun and close at night or on cloudy days. Excellent for slopes, rock gardens, containers, and parking-strip plantings where irrigation is limited. One of the easiest annuals for neglect- proof summer color.
North Dakota spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.
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Click your county for exact Portulaca planting dates based on your local frost dates.
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Portulaca Planting Calendar for North Dakota
▸ Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 21 |
| Bloom | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 |
▸ Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Bloom | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 16 |
▸ Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Bloom | July 3 | Jul 3 – Sep 18 |
Growing Tips for North Dakota
Direct-sow after last frost once soil warms to 65°F, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost. Seed is tiny — surface sow and do not cover. Thin to proper spacing after germination. Thrives in poor, well-drained soil; rich or wet soil produces lush foliage but fewer blooms. No deadheading required — plants are self-cleaning. Double-flowered varieties hold blooms open longer in overcast conditions.
Portulaca in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Portulaca in North Dakota?
Planting dates for Portulaca in North Dakota depend on your USDA zone. North Dakota spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is North Dakota for planting?
North Dakota contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.