When to plant Portulaca in Washington County County,
In Zone 8b (Washington County County), direct-sow Portulaca between February 26 and March 19 for spring, after the March 12 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Portulaca in Washington County, AL
June in the garden — Washington County, Alabama
June is a pivotal month for Washington County, Alabama gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick portulaca
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: portulaca
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.
Washington County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.
At an elevation of 419 feet, Washington County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Portulaca may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Portulaca, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Portulaca root diseases.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Portulaca Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Washington County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.6) overlaps with Portulaca's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Washington County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Portulaca.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.
Portulaca Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Portulaca
Portulaca needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Portulaca Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Portulaca Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Portulaca Planting Timeline — Washington County, AL
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Bloom | April 16 | Apr 16 – Sep 24 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
246 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Washington County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after March 12 in Washington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Washington County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Portulaca. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Washington County, provide afternoon shade for Portulaca and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Portulaca in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Portulaca in Washington County, AL?
Washington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, AL?
Washington County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 13.
When should I plant Portulaca in Washington County County, ?
In Washington County County, , plant Portulaca after the last frost (around March 12) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County County, for Portulaca?
Washington County County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Washington County County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Washington County County's temperate climate. Washington County County averages a 246-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 12 and first frost around November 13.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.