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When to Plant Purslane in Dillingham Census Area, AK

Purslane is a succulent edible plant rich in omega-3 fatty acids, often considered a weed but increasingly valued as a nutritious green. It has a lemony, peppery flavor.

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.

At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Purslane to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Purslane root diseases.

Dillingham Census Area, AK (Zone 3a) Short season
128 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
128 growing days
First Fall Frost September 6

Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Purslane

Purslane needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Purslane Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 2.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.3" 2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 7.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 9.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct โ€” 6.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 4.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Dillingham Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Purslane Planting Timeline โ€” Dillingham Census Area, AK

Purslane Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 15
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 15
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 โ€“ Jul 17
Fall Sowing June 14 Jun 14 โ€“ Jun 28

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Fall Sowing Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

40โ€“60 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 3a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

128 days in Dillingham Census Area

Growing Tips for Dillingham Census Area

Direct sow after last frost or allow to self-seed. Purslane thrives in hot, dry conditions. Harvest stem tips regularly. Contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Purslane in Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dillingham Census Area gardeners in Zone 3a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dillingham Census Area, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.