When to plant Portulaca in Juneau City and Borough County,
Juneau City and Borough County's climate puts the Portulaca spring window between May 3 and May 24. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Portulaca in Juneau City and Borough, AK
Your June planting checklist for Juneau City and Borough, Alaska
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Juneau City and Borough, Alaska this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for portulaca
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Juneau City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 930 feet, Juneau City and Borough receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 57°F, so choose short-season varieties of Portulaca to ensure they mature before fall.
Juneau City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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 Juneau City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) overlaps with Portulaca's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Juneau City and Borough is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.7%) — Portulaca will thrive.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Juneau City and Borough). 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 — Juneau City and Borough, AK
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Bloom | June 21 | Jun 21 – Oct 18 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
152 days in Juneau City and Borough
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Juneau City and Borough
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after May 03 in Juneau City and Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Juneau City and Borough, AK?
Juneau City and Borough is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Juneau City and Borough, AK?
Juneau City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Portulaca in Juneau City and Borough County, ?
In Juneau City and Borough County, , plant Portulaca after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Juneau City and Borough County, for Portulaca?
Juneau City and Borough County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Juneau City and Borough County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Juneau City and Borough County's temperate climate. Juneau City and Borough County averages a 152-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 2.
Your Juneau City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Juneau City and Borough (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.