When to Plant Purslane in Howard County, TX
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.
Howard County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 3,918 feet, Howard County receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Purslane may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Purslane will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Purslane root diseases.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.9-8.3
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Howard County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Purslane Planting Timeline — Howard County, TX
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jun 11 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Howard County
Growing Tips for Howard County
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 →
Purslane in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Purslane in Howard County, TX?
Howard County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, TX?
Howard County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Howard County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.