Blog

When to Plant Purslane in USDA Zone 11a

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.

In Zone 11a, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.

Zone 11a Year-round
364 days
Last Spring Frost January 1
364 growing days
First Fall Frost December 31

Purslane Planting Timeline — Zone 11a

Where Is USDA Zone 11a?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11a. Click any state to see the Purslane planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Purslane Planting Calendar — Zone 11a

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 15
Direct Sow December 11 Dec 11 – Jan 1
Fall Sowing November 5 Nov 5 – Nov 19
Harvest February 12 Feb 12 – Mar 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 11a Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

Get My Free Calendar →

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low — drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

40–60 days

Soil pH

5.5 – 7.5

Zone Temperature Range

40°F to 45°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

364 days (Zone 11a average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing6 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 11a

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

Saving Purslane Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

☀️
Garden Shade Cloth $15-35

Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.

🌱
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

Related Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Purslane in Zone 11a?

In Zone 11a, plan your Purslane planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around December 4. Direct sow outdoors around December 11. Transplant seedlings around January 1.

Can Purslane grow in Zone 11a?

Yes, Purslane can grow well in Zone 11a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 11a has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Purslane (40-60 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Purslane in Zone 11a?

In Zone 11a, expect to harvest Purslane from February 12 – March 19. Purslane takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 11a?

The average last spring frost in Zone 11a is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Purslane?

Good companion plants for Purslane include Corn, Peppers, Tomatoes. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 11a, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.