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When to Plant Purslane in Loving 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.

Loving County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.

At an elevation of 1,464 feet, Loving County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Purslane may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” 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.

Loving County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
224 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
224 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Loving County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.3-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (146 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: Apr 30 – Jun 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (147 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jun 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (138 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 4

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Purslane needs ~1,175 GDD — county provides 5,264 GDD Excellent fit

Purslane Planting Timeline โ€” Loving County, TX

Purslane Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 10
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Fall Sowing August 28 Aug 28 โ€“ Sep 11
Harvest May 8 May 8 โ€“ Jun 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

40โ€“60 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

224 days

Growing Tips for Loving 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Purslane in Loving County, TX?

Loving County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Loving County, TX?

Loving County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 6.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Loving County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Loving County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.